WILLMAR — Eric Tollefson, a patrol sergeant with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday announced his candidacy for sheriff, setting up a race between two members of the department.
Sheriff Eric Holien has also announced that he intends to seek a second term.
Tollefson has served the Sheriff’s Office for nearly 26 years, including 11 years as a detective and eight years as patrol sergeant.
He is a fifth-generation native of Kandiyohi County.
In his announcement, Tollefson cited experience with the Sheriff’s Office as a detective; with the water, snowmobile and ATV patrols; cold water rescue team; SWAT team; as a drug recognition evaluator; and as field training officer of new deputies.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to his announcement, he has served as president of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association union and served 12 years as a member of the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School Board, including five as its chair.
Tollefson and his wife, Carol, are parents of two adult children, Mitchell and Megan. The couple reside in Sunburg and are members of St. Mary’s of Willmar.
“As a current sergeant, I am honored to supervise deputies who love their community and know they’re putting their lives on the line every day for your family and mine. These experiences have given me unique opportunities and perspectives into the needs our communities have and demand from your law enforcement,” he stated in the announcement.
He said protecting communities is a team effort, and pledged to work to grow Sheriff's Office connections with its public safety partners as well as businesses, schools and religious organizations.
The Trust Project
