As the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach, much of the public conversation naturally centers on city council seats, mayoral races, and local school boards. Yet at the county level, few positions carry as much direct weight on daily safety and community well-being as that of county sheriff.
In Waseca County, Sheriff Jay Dulas has spent the past four years serving as the top law enforcement officer. Though he runs unopposed on the 2026 ballot, Dulas isn’t taking the moment for granted. Instead, he openly looks forward to another four years as the “man in the saddle,” reaffirming his commitment to the citizens and communities he has served for nearly three decades.
Dulas’s journey into law enforcement began with a simple desire: he wanted to help people. A graduate of Medford High School, his ambition solidified early on after participating in ride-alongs with the Steele County Sheriff’s Office.
As the first member of his family to pursue law enforcement, Dulas went on to earn his degree from Alexandria Technical College, becoming a licensed peace officer in Minnesota. He began his career gaining fundamental experience from the ground up, working as a jailer and dispatcher before becoming a patrol officer in Waterville.
In 1999, Dulas joined the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office, steadily climbing through the ranks. Today, with 29 total years in law enforcement—27 of those dedicated specifically to Waseca County—he brings a deep well of institutional knowledge and community connection to the office.
When long-serving Sheriff Brad Milbrath retired in 2022, Dulas threw his hat into the ring, winning a competitive election to become the 23rd Sheriff in Waseca County’s long history.
Taking charge of a department serving roughly 19,000 residents across the county was a responsibility Dulas embraced with humility, drawing strength from a broad network of mentors and regional support. “Across Minnesota, there are 87 sheriffs, and no sheriff stands alone,” he noted, highlighting the strong camaraderie among state law enforcement leaders. He also credits the local team surrounding him in Waseca: “We have a great leadership team here that supports our mission every day.”
Under Dulas’s leadership, the department operates with a staff of approximately 35 personnel. In 2026 alone, the office is already pacing past 10,000 documented calls for service—an average rate that continues to trend upward as county needs evolve.
Despite broader, nationwide law enforcement recruitment and retention challenges in recent years, Dulas takes immense pride in the fact that the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office remains fully staffed and strongly backed by the local public. “We are very fortunate,” he explained. “From our dispatchers to patrol deputies to investigators, it’s a team effort to make Waseca County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
That community connection extends to unique department traditions like the Waseca County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse. Under Dulas, the posse has flourished, expanding its presence to include both an auxiliary unit and a junior posse, engaging younger generations and volunteers directly in county service.
For Dulas, running the department requires balancing foundational principles with the demands of modern policing. His core philosophy rests on three pillars: professionalism, integrity, and accessibility. “It’s a position of many hats,” he noted, citing the need to constantly navigate evolving state legislation, changing crime patterns, and technological advancements.
He has prioritized equipping and training his staff, believing that well-trained officers provide the “highest standard of public protection.” Upgrading equipment, maintaining fiscal responsibility within the department, holding offenders accountable, and protecting victims remain daily priorities.
Even without an opponent on the November ballot, Dulas has stayed active throughout the election season, describing the campaign cycle as “fast and furious” and welcoming the opportunity to connect with voters face-to-face.
When speaking about the privilege of continuing his service to Waseca County, Dulas grew noticeably emotional, getting teary-eyed as he expressed his gratitude—a moment that spoke volumes about his deep personal attachment to the Sheriff role and the people he serves. “I want to thank everyone for the trust and support over the past four years, and for the faith they have placed in me,” Dulas remarked. “I look forward to continuing that service to this great county.”
