(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — What began with an overwhelming rejection of Sheriff David Zoerner by the Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and later expanded to include endorsements for his challenger from the agency’s entire command staff has now spread to another major segment of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office.
Kenosha County Eye has obtained a petition signed by approximately 61 members of the Sheriff’s Office Detentions Division endorsing Captain Tony Gonzalez for sheriff. The petition represents roughly 800 years of combined service and includes corrections officers, corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, direct supervision officers, administrative staff and other detention personnel.
The latest petition comes just days after Kenosha County Eye reported that Chief Deputy Justin Miller, Captain Steve Beranis and Captain Bryan Easter had all personally endorsed Gonzalez. Because Gonzalez himself is a captain within the Sheriff’s Office command structure, those endorsements effectively meant every member of the command staff beneath Zoerner had aligned behind Gonzalez’s candidacy.
The petition also follows an earlier vote by the Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association in which approximately 98 to 99 percent of voting members supported Gonzalez over the incumbent sheriff. That vote included deputies, detectives, sergeants and lieutenants.
Taken together, the deputy association vote, the command staff endorsements and now the detention staff petition paint a picture of widespread internal support for Gonzalez and what appears to be growing opposition to Zoerner’s bid for another term.
Nearly 800 Years of Experience
The detention petition contains approximately 61 signatures and represents nearly 800 years of combined experience within the Sheriff’s Office.
Many of the names on the petition belong to employees with decades of service. Multiple signers reported more than 20 years with the agency, including employees with 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33 and even 41 years of service.
The petition states that detention personnel chose to endorse Gonzalez because of their firsthand experience working under his leadership while he served as Detentions Facility Administrator.
“We have witnessed his commitment to being a servant leader who prioritizes mentorship, professional growth, and the fair treatment of all staff,” the petition states.
The document further praises Gonzalez for supporting professional development, maintaining professional standards and avoiding favoritism.
Support Across the Agency
The endorsement is particularly significant because the Detentions Division represents the largest division within the Sheriff’s Office and is responsible for operating the county jail system.
In previous reporting, Kenosha County Eye detailed how support for Gonzalez appeared to stretch from deputies and detectives through supervisory ranks and into the command staff level.
Longtime Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Zarletti has publicly shown support for Gonzalez. In addition, multiple Sheriff’s Office employees have been observed off duty attending campaign events and assisting Gonzalez’s campaign efforts.
The new detention petition adds another layer to what has become an increasingly difficult political reality for Zoerner. While no election outcome is guaranteed, support for Gonzalez now appears to extend through much of the Sheriff’s Office, from detention officers and corrections supervisors to patrol deputies, detectives, sergeants, lieutenants, captains and even the chief deputy.
Gonzalez Responds
In a statement provided to Kenosha County Eye, Gonzalez thanked detention personnel for their support.
“The Detentions Division represents the largest part of our agency and serves in one of the most demanding and at times underappreciated assignments in law enforcement,” Gonzalez wrote.
“Your voices matter. Your concerns matter. I am truly honored and grateful to have the trust and support of the men and women of the Detentions Division.”
Gonzalez said the endorsement was meaningful because detention staff perform difficult work that often goes unnoticed by the public despite being essential to the operation of the Sheriff’s Office.
“I will continue working every day to honor that trust and to advocate for the men and women of this agency and the safety of our community,” he wrote.
Zoerner Asked to Respond
Kenosha County Eye reached out to Sheriff David Zoerner and offered him an opportunity to comment on the detention staff petition and the apparent level of internal support Gonzalez continues to receive throughout the agency.
As of publication, Zoerner had not responded.
The detention staff petition is published in its entirety below.
One Response
Although the Sgt’s and Lt’s most likely do overwhelmingly support Captain Gonzalez, they are not part of the deputy sheriff’s association and did not participate in that vote.