POLK COUNTY (DrydenWire) – Polk County Sheriff Brent Waak has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 and plans to retire after 32 years in law enforcement.
Waak said the decision came after reflecting on the goals he set for himself and the sense of fulfillment he feels at this point in his career.
“I made the decision to retire because I feel the goals I set, I have achieved,” Waak said. “I feel a sense of fulfillment in my career.”
He confirmed he will be retiring from law enforcement and does not plan to immediately pursue another career.
“I want to take some time off and enjoy the good life,” Waak said. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends.”
Looking back, Waak said he is most proud of the work his team did solving cold cases, particularly those that brought long-awaited closure to families and communities.
“I am most proud of the work our team did on cold cases,” Waak said. “Seeing closure brought to the Round Lake community over the loss of Richard Cobenais and the Ben Juarez hit-and-run, and the 1980s murder of Yvonne Menke being solved, meant a great deal.”
Related: Sheriff Tracy Finch Reflects On Career, Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2026
Waak said the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing challenges were among the most difficult issues his office faced, but he credited his team and the community for meeting those challenges head-on.
“The COVID pandemic and staffing were challenging,” Waak said. “I am proud of our county’s response to COVID. When it comes to staffing, we have some of the most talented people, and we have never lowered our standards.”
He added that he remains optimistic about the future of public safety in Polk County.
“The future is bright for public safety in Polk County,” Waak said.
Throughout his tenure, Waak said he worked to lead with integrity, even when it was not the popular choice.
“I have always tried to do the right thing, which isn’t always popular,” Waak said. “I have taken my Oath of Office very seriously.”
Waak said being accessible to the public and maintaining strong community connections were priorities during his time as sheriff.
“I have tried to be accessible to the community, always doing outreach and attending community functions,” he said.
As he looks ahead, Waak said he hopes the next sheriff continues to engage with the community and takes clear positions on issues important to Polk County residents.
“I hope the next sheriff continues to engage the community and take a stand on issues relevant to our way of life here in Polk County,” Waak said.
Related: Sheriff Dennis Stuart Reflects On Career, Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2026
To help ensure a smooth transition, Waak said he plans to assist the next sheriff, just as former Sheriff Pete Johnson assisted him.
“I will assist the next sheriff with the transition, just as Sheriff Pete Johnson assisted me when I was elected,” Waak said.
Waak also confirmed he plans to endorse Chief Deputy Don Burrows in the upcoming sheriff’s election.
When asked what qualities are most important in the next sheriff, Waak emphasized experience and a firm grounding in constitutional principles.
“Law enforcement experience and being a constitutionally minded sheriff are critical,” Waak said.
Reflecting on his time in office, Waak acknowledged that the role comes with challenges and a steep learning curve.
“There is no playbook for the role of sheriff,” Waak said. “You learn as you go. I was fortunate to have fellow sheriffs to lean on for advice.”
Despite the challenges, Waak said Polk County remained resilient.
“Through challenges and tragedies, our community stayed strong,” he said.
As he prepares for retirement, Waak said he is most looking forward to a simpler pace of life.
“The lack of stress in my life and only having one phone,” Waak said, with a smile.
What he will miss most, Waak said, are the people and the day-to-day rhythm of the job.
“I will miss the routine, the people, the challenges, and the excitement,” he said.
Waak closed by expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, noting that he still has time left to serve.
“It has truly been an honor to serve as sheriff,” Waak said. “I want to thank my family for all the support throughout my law enforcement career, the Polk County Board for supporting the Sheriff’s Office, and the community of Polk County for trusting me with this role. I still have a year left to serve, and I intend to give it my all until my term ends.”
Last Update: Jan 21, 2026 12:09 pm CST
