Strong. fair. Ready to Lead.

A sign with purple background and white text that reads "FALESNIK" at the top, and black text below that reads "WINNEBAGO COUNTY SHERIFF."

A mental health counselor running for sheriff represents a shift toward a more compassionate, preventative, and community focused model of public safety.

An image of Dani in 1989 with messy hair dressed in a denim jacket and checkered pants, holding a toy gun, standing outdoors near parked cars.

Dani for Sheriff

I’m Dani Falesnik, and I’m running for Winnebago County Sheriff to bring strong, accountable leadership to our community. With 15 years of experience in mental health and crisis response, I’m ready to lead with integrity, skill, and a commitment to doing things differently.

Learn more about why I am the best candidate for Winnebago County Sheriff, my education and experience, and frequently asked questions about what I can do for Winnebago County voters.

My Agenda:

Close-up view of a cracked ice surface with white fracture lines and small air bubbles or snow particles trapped within.

Ice and Flock out

We swear an oath to protect and defend the State Constitution and uphold the Constitution of Our United States of America. Therefore it is reasonable for us to protect the residents of Winnebago County from any individuals or entities who violate these foundational principles.

Person wearing an orange shirt writing on paper with a pen, multiple papers on a wooden table, a wristwatch on their left wrist, and a bouquet of white flowers in the foreground.

Maximize grant funding

We will actively pursue grant opportunities to alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers. By identifying new revenue sources, we can enhance the safety and effectiveness of our law enforcement efforts and better serve our community.

A person reaching upward with their right hand while another person reaches downward with their left hand, against a cloudy sky with a few trees at the bottom.

Systemic T.I.C. Approaches

Healthy communities start with healthy systems. Trauma informed approaches within the department workplace culture, officer wellness, physical environment, and community interactions shape public experience and improve outcomes. By fostering safety, professionalism, and respect, the sheriff’s department can build trust, enhance field interactions, and reduce repeat justice system involvement.

“A mental health counselor running for sheriff represents a shift toward a more compassionate, preventative, and community focused model of public safety.”

Woman with glasses sitting on stone steps in front of a building entrance with large glass doors, numbered 6 and 7, and architectural details on the sides.

When we think about law enforcement, mental health counselors are not generally the first thing that comes to mind. There are several reasons why electing a mental health counselor is important for the health and safety of our community, especially when our country is experiencing broad sociopolitical division and challenges in mitigating the risk Ai poses to our cyber security.

I have extensive experience navigating situations where the health and safety of your loved ones is in my hands. There are two very unique skill sets that are needed to effectively and ethically manage acute crisis. Clinical Psychology and Administration. Addressing critical issues with strict professional boundaries and guidelines in place reduces the risk of adverse scenarios or escalation and lead to more positive outcomes both short and long term.

A mental health counselor running for sheriff represents a shift toward a more compassionate, preventative, and community focused model of public safety. My ability to calmly manage crises, build trust, and prioritize rehabilitation could significantly reduce violence and improve the overall health and welfare of the county. I am showing up for Winnebago County to offer you my years of expert experience in psychological health and wellness to effectively work with experienced local law enforcement professionals to work alongside me to handle the tactical approaches needed to maintain these high ethical standards.

Make an impact

Create change

Empower Others

Make an impact ・ Create change ・ Empower Others ・

Make an impact

Create change

Empower Others

Make an impact ・ Create change ・ Empower Others ・