The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is in crisis. Morale is at an all-time low. Staffing levels are dangerously thin. Deputies, corrections officers and support staff are burning out—and good candidates are walking away.

Sheriff Idleburg has failed to lead. Instead of fixing the culture, he’s played politics. Instead of investing in recruitment, he’s outsourced responsibility. And instead of setting clear, consistent expectations, promotions and assignments have too often been based on favoritism—not merit.

Roman Buchberger believes the department deserves better—and so do the people of Lake County.

Roman will implement a clear, focused plan to rebuild the force—raising standards, restoring morale, and eliminating political gamesmanship from the ranks. That work begins on day one, with a 90-day recruitment and transition strategy to stabilize the department and build long-term trust with current and future deputies.

But Roman’s approach isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values.

He knows firsthand what it means to work your way up the ranks. He’s served in patrol, investigations, training, and community policing. He’s been a voice for integrity inside the department—calling out problems when it would’ve been easier to stay quiet. That’s the kind of leadership Lake County needs.

As Sheriff, Roman will:

• Launch a 90-day staffing recovery plan, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, and a visible reset of department culture

• Work in good faith with the union—respecting collective bargaining and valuing deputies as frontline partners, not political pawns

• Raise standards for leadership and advancement, ending favoritism and promoting based on performance and professionalism

• Develop a leadership pipeline, mentoring deputies into future command roles with a focus on service, integrity, and community trust

• Create a values-driven hiring initiative, ensuring new recruits reflect the communities they serve and the standards Roman demands

Roman’s philosophy is clear: you can’t enforce integrity if you don’t lead with it. He’ll set a new tone from the top—rooted in accountability, transparency, and respect.

Because a strong, trusted Sheriff’s Office starts with strong, trusted people.