Sioux County Sheriff Nate Huizenga and Chief Deputy Justin De Bruin joined The Daily Grind on Tuesday (January 27) to talk about their first month in office and the direction they see the department heading in 2026.
Both men officially began their new roles on January 1st, following the retirement of longtime Sheriff Jamie Van Voorst. While the leadership change itself is not new to listeners, the interview offered a deeper look at how the transition has gone and what areas they are prioritizing moving forward.
Huizenga, who has been with the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office since 2001, said stepping into the role of sheriff in the county where he grew up carries a special responsibility.
One of the main initiatives discussed during the interview was mental health response — both for residents and for law enforcement staff.
Huizenga said the department has been expanding efforts to follow up with people after difficult incidents and to provide more support for deputies who routinely handle traumatic situations.
Another area of emphasis is school resource officers and relationship-building with students across the county.
Huizenga said those relationships are helpful.
Chief Deputy Justin De Bruin said Sioux County is ahead of many other areas when it comes to mental health initiatives and school-based policing.
De Bruin, who has been with the sheriff’s office since 2003, said the department is also working through internal changes, including filling leadership positions and supporting staff as they adjust to the new structure.
Both Huizenga and De Bruin said their overall focus is on maintaining strong community relationships while continuing to provide 24/7 coverage and support across Sioux County.
