ABOUT ME

With 30 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections, I bring both the necessary experience and a deep passion for my community to the role of Cass County Sheriff.

My name is Brian Swartzell, and I am running for Cass County Sheriff on May 5. I am the youngest of four boys, born to Junior and Sandy Swartzell. I have been married to my wife, Rashel, for 23 years. She has owned and operated her business, Shear Design Hair Salon, in Royal Center for 17 years. Together, we have two children, Laci and Carson, and we attend Faith Community Fellowship in Logansport.

I am deeply involved in my community and currently serve on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Royal Center Lions Club, Stand Up Cass County, the Pioneer Parent Advisory Board, and the Cass County School Safety Commission. I also coached elementary and junior high basketball for seven years and youth baseball/softball for 12 years, and I served on the youth league board for 10 years. In addition, I am a certified official with the IHSAA.

Before graduating from Pioneer High School in 1993, I spent my summers working in the Cass County Jail under Sheriff Ron Wooley. In 1995, I graduated from Vincennes University. After college, I was employed by the Indiana Department of Correction, working at Michigan City State Prison, North Central Juvenile in Cass County, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office as a transport officer and assistant jail commander. While working for the DOC, I received letters of commendation for my actions during multiple incidents involving inmates.

In 1998, I achieved my goal of becoming a police officer and was hired as Deputy Town Marshal in Akron, Indiana. During my four years there, I obtained my K-9 partner, Max, and graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1999. After leaving Akron, I briefly worked for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department before returning to Cass County, where I have served with the Cass County Sheriff’s Department since 2003. In addition to my full-time position, I have worked part-time for Royal Center for 20 years as a deputy and town marshal.

Throughout my career, I have been given many opportunities to grow and serve. As a member of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, I have worked closely with summer camp programs. I am also a member of FOP Lodge #71 and have participated in numerous Shop with a Cop events. I have served as a Field Training Officer, worked in offender registration, served as a School Resource Officer, and continued as a K-9 handler.

I am certified in both Basic and Advanced SRO training through the National Association of School Resource Officers. I have achieved Certified status with the Indiana School Resource Officers Association and am a certified ALICE Active Shooter Instructor. I am a member of NASRO and INSRO and attend annual training. I am also certified as a School Safety Specialist through the Indiana Department of Education.

Since 2019, I have proudly served as a School Resource Officer at Pioneer School Corporation and as an advisor for the Pioneer Students Against Destructive Decisions program. I was also one of four deputies who helped establish the SRO program at Lewis Cass High School.

As Cass County Sheriff, I will continue to build strong partnerships with community leaders, elected officials, and local businesses to keep our equipment and technology up to date, ensuring deputies have the tools they need to work safely and effectively. These partnerships help address mental health concerns, strengthen neighborhood security, and keep our schools safe. Protecting the well-being of our youth will always be a top priority. As an SRO, I see every day how important it is to educate young people about the dangers of drugs and the importance of suicide prevention and mental health resources. For the past six years, I have worked with Four County staff to help ensure our youth have a strong foundation after graduation.

I am running for Cass County Sheriff in because I am committed to serving and protecting the people of our great county and ensuring it remains a safe and prosperous place to live and raise our families. I respectfully ask for your vote on May 5.