(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
After more than three decades of service, Captain Eric Klinkhammer has retired from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, closing out a 32½-year career that touched nearly every part of the agency and left a quiet but lasting imprint on the community.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Klinkhammer began his career with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office in June 1993 and went on to serve county residents in a wide range of roles. His assignments included patrol deputy, the agency’s first full-time School Resource Officer at Westosha Central High School, and a central role in rebuilding the K9 Unit after a 30-year absence, working alongside his partner, K9 Bear.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
He later rose through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant, interim captain and ultimately Captain of Operations, where he oversaw both the Patrol Unit and the Detective Bureau. Along the way, he assumed several critical leadership responsibilities, including Conveyance Supervisor, Public Information Officer, Facility Administrator at the Kenosha County Detention Center, and helping to implement the Sheriff’s Office’s formal Internal Affairs Division.
Those who worked alongside him describe a supervisor who was stoic, methodical and firmly by the book — traits that likely contributed to the longevity and success of his career. He was widely respected by rank-and-file deputies, not through bluster or theatrics, but through consistency, fairness and a clear expectation of professionalism.
Beyond formal assignments, Klinkhammer was trained as a Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician and Crash Reconstructionist. Before becoming a supervisor, he also devoted years to representing fellow deputies as president, treasurer and board member of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, a role that required trust from peers across the agency.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Despite his reserved and stoic demeanor, Klinkhammer was known for his commitment to giving back to the community. He very rarely missed the annual Shop with a Deputy program, an event he quietly prioritized year after year because of how much he valued interacting with children and helping families during the holidays.
Throughout his career, the Sheriff’s Office said Klinkhammer exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy within the agency.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
“Thank you, Captain Klinkhammer, for 32½ years of service to Kenosha County and for everything you’ve done to make KESO stronger,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that he has earned his retirement and wishing him well in the next chapter of his life.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
9 Responses
Congratulations and Happy Retirement. Thnx for your service.
As my Capain, he was kind to me and everyone should consider his calm and demeanor of respect for people. He only cared for people outside of himself. Would like to say Thank you Eric live to you brother, may you find retement as a nice and.second.chance.
Apparently, your captain did not teach you how to write coherently.
The article describes Klink perfectly. His retirement is our loss.
A good man, would have made a better Sheriff than the one we have now. And the one before that one. 😞
He was the SRO at the time my children were there at Westosha Central. He defined the role !
I also met with him in his later capacities and always found him truthful and forthright.
Enjoy your Retirement Sir as anyone in your job has definitely earned it !!
Congrats Capt.
He should run for sheriff
Congrats! Safe and healthy retirement Klink!