When I chose a career in law enforcement more than two decades ago, my goal was clear: to serve the people of Otter Tail County. I love this community, the people who live here, and the values that define it. It has been an honor to serve under Sheriffs Brian Schlueter and Barry Fitzgibbons, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to now seek this office.

I have been a licensed Minnesota peace officer for 23 years, with more than 21 of those years serving the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office. I began my career working part-time with the Parkers Prairie, Henning, and Menahga Police Departments, as well as the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, before joining Otter Tail County in 2004. During my career, I have served as a Patrol Deputy, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, and for the past seven years as Chief Deputy. Additionally, I currently serve as Otter Tail County’s SWAT Commander and Deputy Emergency Manager.

As Chief Deputy, I oversee the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office, which serves both residents and visitors of Otter Tail County. The office employs more than 100 full- and part-time employees and operates with an annual budget of approximately $15 million. I have been directly involved in strengthening our technology, infrastructure, and accountability — including the implementation of our body-worn camera program. I have completed thousands of hours of training throughout my career, including advanced leadership, tactical command, emergency management, and instructor certifications. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Dakota State University, an Associate of Arts from M State – Fergus Falls, and a Law Enforcement certificate from Alexandria Technical College.

Beyond law enforcement, I served the Henning Public School District as an elected school board member for 16 years, including 12 years as board chair. I also served for 10 years on the Lakes Country Service Cooperative board and was honored as a Minnesota Service Cooperatives Outstanding Service Award recipient in 2022.

I believe in hard work, transparency, and fair, common-sense law enforcement. I support responsible gun ownership, and I believe every member of the Sheriff’s Office — deputies, dispatchers, records staff, and corrections officers — deserves strong leadership, training, and support to deliver excellent service to the public.

If elected Sheriff, I will dedicate myself to professionalism, accountability, and serving Otter Tail County with integrity and respect.