Remember to vote Tollefson November 8th!
My work and life experience, formal and continuing education, and dedication to this community have prepared me to serve Kandiyohi County in a positive way as sheriff. I am a fifth generation resident of Kandiyohi County born and raised in Sunburg where I currently reside with my wife Carol of 29 years with whom we have two adult children, Mitchell and Megan.
I graduated from St Cloud State University in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and received my Law enforcement skills training at Alexandria Technical College. I began my law enforcement career in March of 1996 with the City of Clarkfield and was hired by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office in June of 1996. I served as a patrol deputy for 7 years and in 2003 was promoted to detective, a position I held for 11 years. In 2014 I was promoted to my current position of Patrol Sergeant. During my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office I have served as a field training officer, water patrol officer, snowmobile and ATV patrol officer, cold water rescue team member, Drug Recognition Evaluator, Deputy Sheriff’s Association President, and a member of the Kandiyohi County SWAT team for 18 years. I also served on the Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg Board of Education for 12 years, 5 years as chairperson. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, traveling, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, hunting and fishing. Carol and I are members of St. Mary’s Church in Willmar, where we were married in 1993.
Having been with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office for over 26 years, I am familiar with the needs of the community. Working as a patrol deputy and sergeant, I have been able to interact with people, problem solve, respond in high-stress situations and guide and counsel the men and women on my department. Working as a detective provided me the opportunity to lead investigations, discover and utilize resources and bring people together to resolve issues. I am a person that steps-up and rises to the challenge. I am willing to put in the work to make our community safer and to foster an environment of trust. My involvement in multiple facets of the sheriff’s office gives me a unique perspective to bring to the office of Sheriff. By partnering with the people of our community, I will strive to further community safety and education.
As Sheriff my top priority would be maintaining an environment of trust and integrity within the community and the sheriff’s department. Throughout my career I have personally placed emphasis on trust, reliability, and integrity. I have demonstrated that in every interaction I have had with the community and my co-workers. As Sheriff, I will work to build better relationships and support within the department and with surrounding agencies, especially the Willmar Police Department. I would do this by being present in the office every day, listening to what needs to change, and leading this strong team of men and women to do safe and effective police work.
I will run this campaign with honesty, respect, and integrity. I will tell you who I am, what I stand for, and what I will bring to the office of Sheriff of Kandiyohi County. My goal is to provide you with all of the facts necessary to decide whether or not you feel I would be the best person for the job. I hope to provide the community with a better understanding of what your sheriff’s office is here to do. As Sheriff I will strive daily to make our community a safer place to raise a family. As Sheriff I am accountable to the community and the members of my department, I will be responsive to you and will be available to you. I will serve with integrity and I will always do what is best for the residents of Kandiyohi County.