Jason Fairbairn

BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Sheriff candidate Jason Fairbairn says partnering with Brown County businesses in an effort to eliminate financial crimes and fraud is among his initiatives.

In addition, Fairbairn said educating businesses on financial crimes and fraud is part of his community involvement initiative that would include monthly, informative public meetings on crime trends and updates on traffic laws and other state laws.

Fairbairn, who has 18 years total law enforcement experience in Brown County, as a deputy, Drug Task Force Liaison and police officer in Sleepy Eye and Springfield, said he would like to implement local watch groups in smaller county communities.

“Working as a police officer in Springfield and Sleepy Eye sets me apart as I have working knowledge of the departments,” Fairbairn said.

His other initiatives include cross training, making it easier for senior citizens to dispose of medications, seeking grant funding for a TruNarc Analyzer, a portable drug identification device, and implementing a task force to educate people on crimes that target senior citizens and vulnerable adults.

Fairbairn would like to cross train with local police, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and First Responders. In addition, he would do staff training specific to deputies’ duties and anything else relevant to the current societal climate.

“Staff training would focus on encountering and responding to the mentally ill and diverse populations,” Fairbairn said.

Another initiative of his is to share resources and equipment with allied agencies like Brown County Probation, the County Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement.

Fairbairn would like to explore and find new way to reduce criminal recidivism.

“Our jail should not be a revolving door for some, which is an added cost to taxpayers,” Fairbairn said. “I’d implement staff training programs for dealing with mental illnesses and mentally ill inmates, plus correctional-based scenario training.”

He would like to see the sheriff’s office partner with hospitals and pharmacies to make it easier for senior citizens to dispose of medications.

“I would like to add a drug liaison to assist the Drug Task Force if and when needed.

“People like my initiatives of cross training with fire and police departments,” Fairbairn said, regarding input he’s received on the campaign trail. “Coming together to train is a huge thing. Community watch groups are important too. Many people are encouraging me on this. It’s been very positive, encouraging and fun to meet and talk to them. The support has been overwhelming.”

A 1992 graduate of Preston-Fountain High School, Fairbairn has a Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State University, majoring in corrections and law enforcement.

Earlier in his career, he worked in probation and with the mentally ill as a St. Peter Regional Treatment Center Security Counselor.

Fairbairn has taught use of force and defensive tactics to Brown County law enforcement agencies.

His wife Tricia teaches English at New Ulm High School. They have three children, Jack, 18; Emma, 15; and Adasyn, 13.

fbusch@nujournal.com