DELAWARE, Ohio — Jeffrey Balzer was appointed Delaware County Sheriff Thursday by the Delaware County Republican Central Committee.
Balzer was previously named Acting Sheriff by the Delaware County Commissioners on April 17th, following former Sheriff Russ Martin’s retirement. Balzer will complete Martin’s vacated term, which ends on Jan. 5th, 2025.
When Martin announced his retirement, he put Balzer’s name forward as his preferred choice for his successor.
Balzer has 38+ years of law enforcement experience and has been a resident of Delaware County for 37 years. The Ohio University graduate began his public service career at the local and county law enforcement level before he was appointed as a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio. During his 24-year career with the U.S. Marshals Service, Balzer held many assignments involving court security, judicial protection, witness security, fugitive investigations, and terrorism investigations – while being promoted multiple times. He joined the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 when former Sheriff Martin recruited him to serve as a Chief Deputy with
oversight of the Jail and Courts.
Balzer is quick to credit his predecessor for laying the groundwork and establishing the Sheriff’s Office as a trustworthy agency. “I promise I will hold myself and the entire DCSO team to the highest standards of conduct,” said Sheriff Balzer. “This is what our citizens expect and deserve. The men and women of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong commitment to serve and protect others. We will consistently work to earn the support of our community and be worthy of being known as the Best Sheriff’s Office in Ohio.”