SoWalProFire,
You asked this same question in the other thread.
See below.
These are the answers and your responses
One word answer: "fear"
My sources tell me that while fire fighters are organized and have little to fear from any change of administrations, such is not the case in most police dept. and sheriff's dept. in this area. 
So, if a sheriff candidate supported organized labor, and was subsequently elected, they wouldn't have to fear for their jobs if they utilized their American right to voice their opinion?
hmmmm... interesting
I would really value their opinion today. I wish the sitting sheriff would be open to letting them organize. Then we might really know who they thought would be the best man for the job. I wonder if any of the candidates are open to the idea of an organized labor force in the Sheriff's department.
Remember ??
There is the Fraternal Order of Police which is active in this area. They are about to announce who they endorse.