We are part of The Trust Project.
WILLMAR — At the request of Sheriff-elect Eric Tollefson, the Kandiyohi County Board last week approved Tollefson's choice as chief deputy.
"When a new sheriff is elected, they have the right to appoint their chief deputy," said County Administrator Larry Kleindl at the Dec. 1 board meeting.
Tollefson's choice is Detective Sgt. Kent Bauman, who has worked for the K Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office for 25 years.
Bauman and Tollefson have also known each other for years, having both graduated from Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Public Schools plus having worked closely together from the beginning of their law enforcement careers.
"Kent and I have a working relationship that goes all the way back to '96," before they were both hired by Kandiyohi County, Tollefson said.
ADVERTISEMENT
While working for the county, Bauman worked as a deputy before joining investigations, eventually becoming detective sergeant. He served on the SWAT team for many years, including as leader for the last nine years.
"He comes with many years of great experience," Kleindl said.
Tollefson will take over as sheriff and Bauman as chief deputy on Jan. 3. Tollefson believes Bauman will be a great fit.
"He has a tremendous amount of respect with the department because of his various leadership roles and positions he has held," Tollefson said.
