Reverend/Sheriff Mike Bonham is a committed law enforcement leader and a devoted servant of his faith, with a strong focus on community service and public safety. A native of Missouri, Bonham graduated from Lindbergh High School in St. Louis in 1981 before initially pursuing a career in the private sector. In 1989, he felt a divine calling to serve in law enforcement and joined the department in Lead Hill, Arkansas, before being elected as Constable of Crockett Township. Bonham later returned to Missouri, where he earned his degree in Pastoral Care from Global University and received specialized training from Homeland Security. A qualified hazardous material specialist with an emphasis on surface transportation, he also served as the pastor of Grace Family Worship Center in Belle, Missouri, marking the start of his dual calling to both ministry and law enforcement. In 2016, Reverend Bonham made history by being the first ordained minister elected to serve as Sheriff of Osage County, Missouri. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that enhance public safety and strengthen community relationships. Notably, Bonham established the Junior Deputy Program for 5th and 6th grade students, aiming to educate and engage youth in law enforcement activities and instill a sense of responsibility and civic duty. Additionally, he founded the Marine Watercraft Program and the Aeronautical Drone Program, which have played a vital role in improving search and rescue capabilities, crime scene investigations, and overall safety in the county. Bonham has been deeply involved in several key law enforcement initiatives, such as the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force and the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team. He has also been a prominent advocate for law enforcement policy development through his work with the Missouri Sheriff's Association (MSA) and various state and national law enforcement boards. • Sheriff Bonham holds several leadership roles in various organizations, including: • Bibleway Executive Board • Bibleway Chaplaincy President • MoSmart Board Vice Chair (2020 - 2025) • OC-ADCAT Board / Osage County Anti-Drug Action Team • MSA Executive Board (2022 - 2028) • MSA Legislative Committee (2019 - 2025) • MSA Nomination Committee (2022 - 2023) • MSA Training Committee (2021 - 2023) • MSA Budget and Finance Committee (2021 - 2023) • Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy Board • RHSOC Board (representing Sheriff's) (2020 - 2025) • 911 Advisory Board • Board of Advisors – Mid Missouri Major Case Squad • Board of Advisors – LETI Columbia (2000 - 2024) • National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (2022 - 2025) Enforcement and Training Committee • MSA Zone 9 Leader – Alternate • MSA Executive Board (2023 - 2028) • Mike Kehoe Public Safety Committee (2024 - 2025) • SafetyNet Board Member (2024 - 2026) His leadership and initiatives have earned the praise of Osage County residents, who appreciate his proactive approach to addressing local issues and his ability to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Reverend Bonham remains deeply committed to his faith. He continues to lead as a dynamic preacher and teacher, designing and instructing chaplaincy courses across the country. Through his leadership in both law enforcement and ministry, Bonham’s mission remains to serve others and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Reverend/Sheriff Bonham is married to Glenda Ann, and they have four children: Amanda, Adam, Keegan, and Lauren. His family, faith, and service to the public are at the heart of his life's work, as he continues to exemplify the calling to serve both God and his community. Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. - Francis of Assisi