Professional Experience

CHIEF OF POLICE, 2017 – PRESENT

Valparaiso Police Department (VPD) – Valparaiso, Indiana

  • Plan, direct and manage activities of VPD.
  • Deliver visionary leadership to 65 employees by creating long-term strategic plans and managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
  • Hire/fire train and manage department personnel.
  • Maintain partnerships with every law enforcement agency in Porter County, as well as several federal/government agencies.
  • Build, strengthen and foster community relations through popular programs such as Citizens Police Academy, school programs GREAT and DARE, as well as Coffee with a Cop, and Breakfast & Badges.
  • Other VPD positions include: Captain of Investigations; Detective, Sergeant; Patrol Sergeant; Patrol Corporal; Field Training Officer Program Coordinator; Reserve Officer Program Coordinator; Honor Guard Commander; Hit and Run Investigations Coordinator

Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force

  • Team Leader (2005-2009)
  • Assistant Commander (2009-2015)

Porter County Sheriff’s Department – Jail Officer, 1991

Professional Awards

  • Officer of the Year (VPD)
  • Supervisor of the Year (twice) (VPD)
  • Honorable Mentions (numerous) (VPD)
  • Outstanding Achievement Award, Northwest Indiana African American Alliance, Inc
  • Leadership in Diversity and Innovation, Each Life is Precious, Inc.

Education

Public Safety Management Program, Bachelors with Distinction

Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Whiting, Indiana 

School of Police Staff and Command

Northwestern University, School of Public Safety, Hobart, Indiana

Law Enforcement, Associate of Science

Vincennes University, Vincennes Indiana

Additional Certifications

    • Police Executive Leadership Academy, 2010
    • Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, 1992
    • Center for Public Safety at Northwestern University, 2012

Education

Public Safety Management Program, Bachelors with Distinction

Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Whiting, Indiana

School of Police Staff and Command

Northwestern University, School of Public Safety, Hobart, Indiana

Law Enforcement, Associate of Science

Vincennes University, Vincennes Indiana

Additional Certifications

  • Police Executive Leadership Academy, 2010
  • Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, 1992
  • Center for Public Safety at Northwestern University, 2012

Community Involvement

Jeff Balon sits on the Board of Trustees of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, the Respite House and Valparaiso Alternative Learning.  Balon also serves on the Executive Board of the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

Family

Jeff and his wife Katie, who works for the Olympus Corporation, have four children combined. Ty (25) unexpectedly passed away in March 2021 due to a seizure in his sleep. He had been diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age. Nicolette (22) is a Senior at IU (Northwest), majoring in psychology. Ella (19) is freshman at Indiana University Bloomington, pursuing a business degree. Harrison (18) is a senior at Morgan Twp. where he runs cross country. Harrison and his team competed in the semi-state finals this Fall.

As a family, they enjoy numerous activities together, but they especially enjoy snow skiing in the winter and boating on Lake Michigan in the summer.