Kent Bauman, KCSO Detective Sergeant

I have been in law enforcement for over 28 years, 25 of which have been with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office. I am currently the detective sergeant supervising the investigation unit. I am endorsing Eric Tollefson for Kandiyohi County Sheriff because of what he stands for. Prior to Kandiyohi County, I was working in a neighboring police department when Tollefson received his first law enforcement position with the city of Clarkfield. From then on, I have been a peer to Tollefson, having spent over 11 years in the investigation unit alongside him working all types of criminal investigations, including several large incidents. Tollefson has demonstrated to me his understanding of each position he has held, often lending that knowledge to others. Tollefson also has shown diligence and compassion as he investigated cases with me. Since that time Tollefson was promoted to shift supervisor, basically being in charge with the real time response to crimes and various situations that may develop for a team of deputies on patrol. Tollefson continues to use his experience and knowledge to appropriately direct his patrol team in their response to these calls. This type of leadership is what is desperately needed in law

enforcement, leadership from the front where young, developing deputies can see what is appropriate and how to interact. Actions are louder than mere words or catch phrases. These are reasons why I strongly support Tollefson for Kandiyohi County Sheriff.

Eric Tollefson is the best candidate for Kandiyohi County Sheriff in 2022. I worked with him for over seven years, and in that time I came to respect him greatly; not just for the work that he does, but for the way that he does it.

Of course, he knows the nuts and bolts of the job. Eric Tollefson knows the law and he knows the procedures and standards that law enforcement officers must follow. He also knows what he doesn’t know and is not afraid to ask questions of his fellow deputies and other partners in law enforcement to make sure things are done the right way the first time. He understands the importance of being part of a team. He understands that doing the job the right way is the only way.

But beyond the rules and regulations, Eric Tollefson is a good man. He does his job transparently, never hiding from the public or cutting corners. He can do this because he has confidence and integrity. He says it like he sees it and he values the opinions of others. He isn’t afraid to consider new ideas or new ways of doing things. He is humane and kind and he insists that those around him conduct themselves with civility and professionalism at all times.

A sheriff’s badge gives you instant respect for about five seconds - after that you have to earn it. Eric Tollefson has the respect of his colleagues and his community, and he’ll continue to earn that respect. Eric Tollefson has never run from the truth, but rather follows it where it leads. Eric Tollefson has never quit on Kandiyohi County, and he never will. The people of Kandiyohi County will be very fortunate indeed if Eric Tollefson is their next sheriff.

I was honored when Eric Tollefson asked me to support him for Sheriff. While I was Chief Prosecutor for Kandiyohi County, I worked with many fine officers and detectives, none better than Eric. His commitment to justice and safety for the community was exemplary. As a trial prosecutor, you knew his police work and testimony would be thorough, accurate, and trustworthy. 

He would also go above and beyond, joining myself and other criminal justice professionals who went out to junior and senior high schools to give students information on relationship issues, sexual assault and harassment. It showed them the possible pitfalls and life changing consequences. Eric's contribution was invaluable, giving the kids a cop's perspective.

He's dedicated to professional and personal integrity and accountability, bringing those qualities to his leadership as Sheriff. As we know, those qualities must come from the top down... holding all to the same standard. Eric Tollefson will make an outstanding Sheriff.

For almost 14 years I sold law enforcement equipment in the 5 state area.  I have met many outstanding leaders over the years.  Based on the benchmarks of these leaders is why I am voting for Eric Tollefson to be the next Sheriff of Kandiyohi County.

Hi, I’m Loren Hjelle, a retired welding instructor at Ridgewater College in Willmar. I have known Eric and his wife Carol for several years. I admire their family values which are reflected through their two children. Eric leads by example which has been exemplified by not only his family, but also through the respect that has been shown from those that have worked with him in any capacity. These values and leadership qualities, along with an evident respect for the uniform he wears, have secured my vote for Eric Tollefson.

Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Integrity describes my cousin, Eric Tollefson. As Sheriff, I can attest he will work hard to do the right thing for the entire community. I have personal experiences watching him be this person both in his current sergeant position and in his personal life. I've always admired and respected Eric. He is someone who makes sound decisions because he looks at things from every angle and he asks others for their input. He is someone who is committed and doesn’t give up. He has been someone I can count on and he’s been my role model! Eric is ready to put in the time and the hard work that needs to be done to be Sheriff. I wholeheartedly believe that Eric Tollefson will lead with integrity, compassion, and provide the leadership that Kandiyohi County needs and deserves. 

Having been in public education for over 25 years, I have had the good fortune of getting to know and work with many great people.  These individuals are committed to the children and parents in our region and see their work as one of the services that help make our communities quality, safe and healthy places to live and raise a family.  As a member of the board of education for twelve years, Eric Tollefson was one of these individuals.  He demonstrated in his role as Board Chair that he understood leadership requires one to be able to work with and represent individuals and groups from different communities for a common purpose. He did this quite naturally through his ability to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and ensure that decisions were actioned.     

Of the many leaders I have come in contact with, Eric always carried a voice that was respected and heard, not in as much for its volume, but for the words of understanding and leadership.