Endorsements

An Endorsement from Clearwater County Sheriff Darin Halverson

June 29th, 2026

When I decided not to seek reelection for Clearwater County Sheriff, it was one of the most difficult decisions of my career. Whoever is elected as the next Sheriff will bring new leadership and new ideas. It is essential that voters choose someone who is prepared to lead effectively from day one.

The primary election is on August 11, and early voting has already begun. It is important that everyone remembers to vote in the primary election, as only two of the four candidates for Clearwater County Sheriff will advance to the general

election in November.

This election is about choosing the person best prepared to lead our Sheriff's Office from day one. It is not about campaign slogans or telling people what they want to hear. It is about selecting a leader with the experience, judgment, integrity, and

local knowledge necessary to protect our communities and effectively manage one of the county's most important offices. For me, that means supporting candidates who have demonstrated leadership, current law enforcement experience, integrity,

and a long-standing commitment to serving the people of Clearwater County.

As voters prepare to choose our next Sheriff, I encourage everyone to look beyond campaign slogans and promises and carefully consider each candidate's qualifications, experience, and commitment to serving our county. I encourage

every voter to learn about each candidate, ask questions, and cast an informed vote in the primary election on August 11.

Since announcing that I would not seek reelection, many people have asked who I believe is best qualified to serve as the next Sheriff. I was encouraged by the number of people willing to step forward and seek this office. Running for Sheriff requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to be accountable to the public. I commend all four candidates for offering to serve. That said, in my opinion, two candidates clearly stand out: Chief Deputy Vern Wittenberg and Deputy Clarence LaCroix.

Vern Wittenberg has 24 years of law enforcement experience and has served as Chief Deputy of the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office since 2017. He brings steady leadership and solid experience to the office. Born and raised in Clearwater County, he is familiar with the challenges facing our county and has practical working knowledge of the Sheriff's Office. Serving as second-in-command has

helped prepare him to assume the responsibilities of Sheriff with confidence.

Clarence LaCroix also brings exceptional qualifications. As a Deputy Sheriff, current School Resource Officer in Bagley, and former Jail Administrator, he has served Clearwater County in multiple capacities. Clarence began his law enforcement career with the Bagley Police Department in 2010 and has spent the past 16 years serving the people of our county. His experience working with

students, families, corrections staff, and patrol operations has given him a broad understanding of nearly every function within the Sheriff's Office. Throughout his career, Clarence has earned a reputation for professionalism, leadership, and

building positive relationships throughout the community.

The other candidates bring different backgrounds that voters should also consider. Adam Gunderson has served as the Bagley Police Chief for the past three years and has previously served as a police chief in other communities. While that experience is valuable, leading a municipal police department differs significantly

from managing a county Sheriff's Office. Having never worked for a Sheriff's Office, Adam lacks firsthand experience with the day-to-day operations and statutory responsibilities unique to a Sheriff's Office. I understand those differences firsthand. Before becoming Chief Deputy and later Sheriff, I served as the Bagley Police Chief. Had it not been for the experience and mentorship I received from

former Sheriff Mike Erickson, I would not have been fully prepared to assume the responsibilities of Sheriff. Additionally, having lived and worked in Clearwater County for just over three years, Adam has had less opportunity to develop long-term relationships and gain the local knowledge that comes from years of serving

this county.

The fourth candidate, Larry Johnson, previously served in law enforcement; however, he has been retired from the profession for approximately 18 years. Although his prior service is commendable, advances in technology, evolving training standards, changes in state and federal law, and increasingly complex public safety challenges require today's Sheriff to possess current knowledge and experience. Past service is valuable, but leading a modern Sheriff's Office also requires remaining actively engaged in today's profession.

In my opinion, Clarence LaCroix and Vern Wittenberg are the two candidates best prepared to serve as the next Sheriff of Clearwater County and advance to the general election in November. They have earned my confidence, my trust, and my endorsement.

My endorsement is not based on friendship or politics. While it is true that I hired both men and they currently serve in my office, my decision is based on more than 30 years in law enforcement and my firsthand understanding of what it takes to successfully lead a Sheriff's Office. Public safety is too important to leave to uncertainty. Clearwater County deserves a Sheriff who is ready to assume the responsibilities of the office immediately, provide steady leadership, ensure continuity of operations, and keep our communities safe.

Sincerely,

Darin Halverson

Clearwater County Sheriff