KENOSHA, Wis. – Just months after being sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Endel Williams has voluntarily resigned.

Williams, 50, made headlines earlier this year as a twice-convicted felon who had turned his life around and been granted a pardon by Governor Tony Evers. His hiring was the result of a personal decision by Sheriff David W. Zoerner, who offered Williams the opportunity to serve in uniform despite widespread skepticism within the department.

That decision proved controversial. Many deputies were reportedly unhappy about the hiring of a multiple-convicted felon—even one who had been legally pardoned. However, Williams said that if there were any such opinions, they were never expressed to him directly.

“If anyone had an issue with me being there, they didn’t show it,” Williams told Kenosha County Eye. “I felt embraced.”

“We wish him the very best. Mr. Williams is a man of high character and the sky is the limit for him,” Said Chief Deputy Justin Miller. “He will continue to do great things no matter what the next chapter is.”

A Brotherhood He Didn’t Expect

Williams said one of the most unexpected parts of his brief tenure was the sense of belonging he felt among his fellow deputies.

“There was this brotherhood and sisterhood that I didn’t really understand until I was part of it,” he said. “Once I was sworn in, I felt that camaraderie right away. It was genuine.”

He praised the command staff, from sergeants through the higher ranks, for treating him with professionalism and respect. He also expressed deep appreciation for his field training officers, whom he called “great mentors.”

Memorable Moments on Patrol

Despite the short duration of his time in uniform, Williams said he gained experiences that will stick with him forever—including one chaotic foot chase on the interstate.

“We were chasing a car southbound on I-94 and it started slowing down,” he said. “I thought the guy was going to run, so I opened my door before the squad stopped and I was hanging out like Superman. I fell, but I got up and chased him down.”

He also recalled his first emergency run with lights and sirens.

“I was nervous at first, but once the adrenaline hit, it was exciting,” he said. “I ended that day on a high note.”

No Regrets, Just Gratitude

Williams made clear that his departure was his decision alone and not prompted by any dissatisfaction from the department.

“It was my choice. The department didn’t want me to leave,” he said.

If he has any regret, it’s that he didn’t make the decision to turn his life around sooner.

“I just wish I’d gotten my life together earlier so I could’ve started this career sooner,” he said. “This work is meaningful. I hope more people will consider law enforcement as a career.”

Williams said he will continue using his story to help others through his nonprofit Choices Change Lives, which aims to inspire former offenders to take control of their future.

“I left on good terms. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunity,” he said. “It changed my life.”

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