Over my 25-year career with the Sheriff’s office, I have served in nearly every operational facet of local law enforcement. My experience spans road patrol, traffic safety enforcement, crisis intervention, court security, civil process, investigations, and multi-agency response coordination across rural and municipal jurisdictions in Winona County. Even more important to the role of Sheriff, I have built extensive leadership experience across operations, high-risk tactical response, and instructor/training roles.
Given my 25-year experience and extensive leadership roles, I feel I am the best candidate for the position and will lead the Winona County Sheriff’s Department in a very positive direction with vision and foundation.
• Recruitment, Retention, and Staff Morale: Building a fully supported, highly trained workforce with strong internal leadership and professional growth opportunities.
• Rural Safety & Community Engagement: Delivering visible, proactive policing across every town and township in Winona County so we are "Stronger Together."
• Behavioral Health & Crisis Response Partnerships: Equipping deputies with advanced crisis response training and forging strong partnerships with local human services.
As your Sheriff, I would always maintain an open-door policy for the staff at the Winona County Sheriff’s Department. I’ve spoken in depth with my Chief Deputy selection, Paul McKay, and we have a mutual agreement on how we want to grow as a department. We will do this through our departmental transparency and valuing everyone’s efforts and suggestions they bring to the table.
This includes regular meetings with departmental heads and yearly staff reviews to ensure a clear road map.
Given what I have done in my law enforcement career and serving the citizens of Winona County, it is clear that I am not a status quo individual and never will be. Rather, I am a boots on the ground, lead by example, type of leader that also values input from others and never afraid to use a better idea that someone may present. Over my 25-year career with the Sheriff’s office, I have served in nearly every operational facet of local law enforcement and have always been one to lead by example.
As a longtime active shooter instructor for law enforcement response, as well as an ALICE instructor for civilian response, in regards to gun violence, I feel this is extremely important that not only law enforcement has the education and capabilities to deal with such a situation, but that the citizens of this county also have that ability as well.
As your sheriff, I would vow to take part in any informational meetings to discuss this topic and hear any concerns the citizens may have.
I believe the Winona County Sheriff’s Department should maintain our current policy reference immigration enforcement. This includes not actively assisting with immigration enforcement warrants or operations. However, if immigration enforcement contacts us for property damage, personal injury, or social unrest, we will respond just as if any other law enforcement agency or citizen were calling us for similar assistance.
I bring 26 years of law enforcement experience and a broad understanding of the responsibilities of the
Sheriff’s Office. I have served in corrections, patrol, water patrol, civil process, and court security, while
also taking on leadership roles throughout my career. I know Winona County, its communities, and the
people we serve. I believe the Sheriff must be visible, approachable, accountable, and willing to work
alongside staff. My combination of experience, hands-on leadership, strong work ethic, and
commitment to helpful, friendly service has prepared me to lead the Sheriff’s Office with integrity.
My top three priorities are hands-on, accountable leadership; public safety and strong staffing; and
community-focused policing and partnerships. I want to be a visible Sheriff who supports employees and
listens to citizens. Maintaining strong staffing is essential to providing reliable public safety services. I
also want to strengthen relationships with residents, local agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and
community partners to address problems before they become crises.
Transparency starts with communication and accountability. I would provide timely, accurate
information to the public while respecting privacy laws and active investigations. I would promote clear
policies, consistent reporting, accessible public information, and open communication about
department priorities and challenges. I would also be visible and available in our communities so
residents have opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns, and receive honest answers.
My leadership style is hands-on, approachable, and accountable. I believe a Sheriff should balance
administrative responsibilities with being present alongside employees and in the community. I listen
before making decisions, communicate expectations clearly, and believe leaders should be willing to do
the work they ask of others. My experience supervising programs, solving problems, training others, and
working with justice partners has prepared me to lead collaboratively and with integrity.
The Sheriff’s Office has an important role in preventing violence while respecting the rights of lawful gun
owners. That includes enforcing existing laws, thoroughly investigating threats and violent crimes,
promoting safe firearm storage, supporting responsible gun ownership, and working with schools,
families, mental-health professionals, and community partners. Early intervention, information sharing,
education, and strong relationships can help identify risks before they become tragedies.
The Sheriff’s Office should focus its resources on keeping Winona County safe and enforcing the laws it
is responsible for enforcing. Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility. When federal agencies make lawful requests or immigration issues intersect with criminal investigations or court
orders, the Sheriff’s Office should follow applicable law and established procedures. Everyone who
interacts with our office should be treated fairly, respectfully, and consistently.
