ABOUT
Sheriff Bryan Welk
MY BACKGROUND
As a longtime resident of Cass County, I have dedicated my life to serving our community. With years of experience in law enforcement, I understand the unique challenges we face and am committed to maintaining safety and security for all residents. My journey began with a desire to protect and serve, and I have worked tirelessly to earn your trust and support.
COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY
Throughout my career, I have focused on building strong relationships with our community. I believe that a successful sheriff's office works in partnership with its citizens. My platform prioritizes transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to address crime and improve public safety. Together, we can create a safer Cass County for everyone.
Family
Bryan Welk resides in Remer, Minn. with his wife, Jennifer, and their son Calvin. The couple also has two older daughters, Haley and Alynza.
Haley married her husband, Sean Farris, in 2022 and they have two sons, Bryar (4) and Laken (1.5). Haley is a registered nurse in Thief River Falls, Minn. and Sean serves as a juvenile probation officer for Pennington County.
Alynza recently graduated with her Master's Degree in social work from the University of North Dakota. In June of this year, Alynza married her high school sweetheart, Harris Carlson. The couple recently purchased their first home in Thief River Falls, Minn.
Calvin is currently entering his sophomore year at Northland High School in Remer. In recent years, Calvin has developed both a passion and talent for volleyball and is the libero for his team. This summer, Calvin is working as a life guard at a local summer camp.
The Welk Family together following middle daughter Alynza's graduate school graduation from the University of North Dakota.
Bryan and Jennifer with grandsons Bryar (4) and Laken (1.5)
The Welk Family together following middle daughter Alynza's graduate school graduation from the University of North Dakota.
Career
Sheriff Bryan Welk has dedicated nearly three decades to serving and protecting the citizens of Cass County. His commitment to public safety began in 1997 when he started his career as a 911 Telecommunicator with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Driven by a passion for helping others and serving his community, Bryan became a Deputy Sheriff in 2003 and steadily advanced through the ranks, earning promotions to Patrol Sergeant in 2010, Patrol Lieutenant in 2020, and Chief Deputy in 2023.
In November 2023, Bryan was honored to be elected as the 14th Sheriff of Cass County. As Sheriff, he remains focused on keeping communities safe, supporting law enforcement professionals, addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges, and building strong partnerships throughout the county.
Bryan believes effective law enforcement begins with trust, accountability, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with local leaders, community organizations, schools, and public safety partners to address the issues that matter most to the people of Cass County.
His commitment to service extends beyond his duties as Sheriff. Bryan serves on several boards and committees, including:
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Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Representative to the Governor’s Task Force on 48-Hour Priority Admissions for Mental Health
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Cass County Opioid Committee
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Cass County Corrections Advisory Board
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Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota
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Northwest Juvenile Center Board
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Hibbing Community College Law Enforcement Advisory Board
Bryan is a graduate of Hibbing Community College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the prestigious National Sheriffs’ Institute at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Minnesota BCA Management Series, and numerous leadership and management programs through the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Bryan has served as a Tactical Team Leader and member of the Cass County Emergency Response Unit, a trained Hostage Negotiator, and co-founder of the Cass County Honor Guard.
