NEW PORTER COUNTY SHERIFF MAKES MOVES HIS FIRST WEEK IN OFFICE
Newly Elected Porter County Sheriff Jeffery Balon was excited to get to work full time at the Sheriff’s Office starting yesterday, January 3, 2023. Prior to the turn of the new year, Sheriff had already met and listened to multiple employees regarding the needs and wants of our personnel and what the future may bring.
Sheriff Balon is eager to announce two new appointments at the Office. As with any election, change and forward progression is inevitable. Following the interviews with employees, Sheriff Balon has named Lieutenant Jason Praschak as his new Patrol Commander. Lt. Praschak is a 17-year veteran of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office. Also, Sheriff has named Captain Matt Edwards as his new Taskforce Coordinator for the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group (PCMEG). Captain Edwards is a 22-year veteran of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.
Retaining their appointments within the Office are Chief Tim Manteuffel, Investigations Commander Eric Jones, Major Gary Gear and Public Information Officer Benjamin McFalls. As well as our very valued Administrative Assistant, Laura Meyer.
In addition, retained in the Jail Division is Jail Commander Steve Lawrence. Sheriff Balon is already at work in his 1st term and looks forward to a successful future for our Office and the citizens of Porter County.
Sheriff Balon has named Captain Matt Edwards as his new Taskforce Coordinator for the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group. Capt. Edwards is a 22-year veteran of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.
Captain Matt Edwards is a 1993 Chesterton High School graduate who started his career in Law Enforcement in 1997 with the Chesterton Police Department. Edwards attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield in 1998.
In 2001, Edwards was hired by Sheriff Reynolds as a Sheriff’s Deputy. He has been a valued member of our Office, where he has served in many roles.
Edwards is the current K9 coordinator in charge of canine selections, monthly training, and getting the canines Nationally Certified. Edwards also served as a K9 handler for 15 years with K9 Bandit and K9 Joker.
Edwards has been in charge of a Patrol crew since he was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018. He was formerly a SFST Instructor, Field Training Officer, Motorcade Supervisor, Detective in the Porter County Drug Unit, and a part time School Resource Officer at Union Township School Corporation for the past 16 years.
He is also the Department’s Head Advanced EVO (Emergency Vehicle Operations) Instructor.
Since Capt. Edwards employment with the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, he has achieved the tested ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.
Capt. Edwards earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Vincennes University in 1995.
Sheriff Balon has named Lieutenant Jason Praschak as his new Patrol Commander. Lt. Praschak is a 17-year veteran of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.
Praschak is a 2001 Portage High School graduate who began his career at the Porter County Jail in 2004.
In 2005, Praschak was hired by Sheriff Reynolds as a Sheriff’s Deputy and then attended the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in the same year.
He has been a valued member of our Office, where he has served in many roles.
Praschak is the current ERT Team Commander, and has held multiple positions on the team such as a general operator, assistant team leader, team leader, less lethal instructor. Praschak has been in charge of a Patrol Crew since he was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016. He was formerly a member of our Honor Guard, Bike Patrol, HIDTA team, K9 Handler, Field Training Officer, SFST Instructor, and former Field Training Coordinator as well as a Detective in the Porter County Drug Unit prior to being promoted to Corporal.
He is a current Defensive Tactics Instructor, member of our Wellness Team, Active Shooter Response Instructor, and part time School Resource Officer with the East Porter County School Corporation.
Since Lt. Praschak’s employment with the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, he has achieved the tested ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant.
Lt. Praschak earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University NW.
