(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha, Wis. – Sometimes, life offers second chances to those willing to fight for them. For Endel Williams, 50, that second chance is more than just a fresh start—it’s a full-circle moment. The once-troubled teen and twice-convicted felon will be sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff for the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office on March 31, 2025, marking an extraordinary turnaround.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Williams’ past was anything but picture-perfect. His troubles with the law began early, leading to convictions in 1993 and 1997 for drug-related offenses. A nine-year prison sentence, of which he served five years, could have been the end of his story. Instead, it became the foundation for a remarkable transformation. He committed himself to change, focusing on education, self-discipline, and community service. By November 2022, his efforts were recognized when Governor Tony Evers granted him a pardon, paving the way for his new career.
Sheriff David Zoerner admits that hiring Williams was not an easy decision. “If you’d asked me at any time in my career before meeting Deputy Williams whether I would ever consider hiring a convicted felon, I would have said absolutely not,” Zoerner said. “But he gave one of the best interviews we’ve ever had. His story, his passion, his dedication—it was all undeniable.”
Williams’ journey to law enforcement was not handed to him. He endured the same rigorous hiring process as any other recruit, including a physical fitness test, a written exam, an intensive background check, a psychiatric evaluation, and a panel interview. He passed them all.
His remarkable journey caught the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies. Williams was offered positions with four different departments, all of whom saw potential in his unique perspective and commitment to change. However, he ultimately chose the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, citing the relationships he built during his time in the police academy. “Chief Deputy Justin Miller and Deputy Preston really stood out to me,” he said. “Their humility, their leadership, and the way they engaged with the class made a huge impression.”
Williams isn’t just a man with a past—he’s a man with a purpose. He founded “Choices Change Lives,” a vocational ministry that helps former offenders find stability and purpose. Through his work, he has assisted thousands in their transition from incarceration to productive society members. He has spoken at correctional facilities, community centers, and schools, sharing his personal journey in hopes of inspiring others to make better choices. Despite his troubled past, he is now a mentor to young people who might be heading down the wrong path. “I don’t do this for money or recognition,” Williams said. “I do it because I care. If my story can help one person avoid making the mistakes I made, then it’s worth it.
”His journey has been filled with both struggles and triumphs, and he credits much of his success to the people who supported him along the way. He acknowledges the guidance of mentors like Jim Schatzman and Sherry Hartog, individuals who believed in him when few others did. “They helped me see that my past didn’t have to dictate my future,” he said. “They encouraged me to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.
”While some may question his ability to enforce the law given his past, Williams embraces the challenge. “I understand people’s skepticism,” he said. “But I paid my dues. I’m here because I earned it, and I’ll prove it every day on the job.
”His story isn’t just about redemption—it’s about inspiration. Williams acknowledges his troubled upbringing but refuses to use it as an excuse. “I take accountability for my actions. My past shaped me, but it doesn’t define me,” he said. “The choices I made as a young man were reckless, but I’ve worked hard to change the narrative of my life.”
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office stands behind him. “This job isn’t for everyone, and he knows that,” Sheriff Zoerner said. “But we believe in him. And if he succeeds, it will be because of his own merit.”
Williams also knows the road ahead won’t be easy. “This is a high-stakes job,” he said. “I know I’ll have to work twice as hard to earn the trust of my colleagues and the community, but I welcome that challenge.”
For those who doubt, Williams has one request: “Get to know me before you criticize me. I’m an open book.”
As he prepares to wear the badge, one thing is clear: Endel Williams isn’t just walking through the doors of the Sheriff’s Office as a new deputy—he’s walking through them as a testament to perseverance, redemption, and the power of second chances.
43 Responses
GREAT HIRE SHERIFF ZORNER!!
That’s not the Chief I knew saying that!
He would have spelled Zoerner correctly.
Congratulations deputy Williams!
So what’s the difference between this guy and Sharmain Harris, who you constantly attack on your website? Both guys who deserve a chance to turn their life around and become productive members of society
Same question I have
Sharmain’s felonies were very very violent. He dragged his wife around by her hair, choked her, hit her and robbed her. He used a bat on someone. Violent crimes. Violence
Holy crap! I’ve never read or seen anything about this Sharmain person. But now I’m bout to look him up. That’s some BS. why would anyone support this POS if this this true?
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2020/11/10/opinion-governor-evers-should-reject-pardon-request-from-violent-kenosha-man/
Makes sense. He was violent. However, what’s the difference between the Kenosha Scanner guy and this sheriff? Sounds the exact same.
Not sure if I understand the question. The serial arson is from Kenosha County scanner was not pardoned. Legally he can become a peace officer
Cereal! HA! 🥣
Kevin is a cereal grammar offender. He never met a grammar rule he didn’t mess up.
Serial.
Sorry, I can’t help myself…
At the risk of sounding stupid…. what is this arson person’s name from the Kenosha Scanner page? It’s been driving me crazy because I’ve seen a few comments here and there referring to the scanner guy lol. What’s his name?
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2024/01/20/meet-allen-dunski-jr-serial-arsonist-turned-vice-president-of-salem-lakes-fire-commission/
He’s starting a career as a cop at 50, when most cops are winding down their careers and getting ready to retire. Good luck.
Congratulations Deputy Williams . You’ve worked very hard to get here . GOD had plans for you and your fulfilling your dreams. A huge congratulations.
Is a felon allowed to possess a firearm? Was he pardoned and that not mentioned in the story or did I miss it?
Read the article before you speak!! It says that Evers pardoned him!!
Ever(s) 🤮
Oh boy! ex-con becomes cop and has firearm access. Only good can come of this. We really are living in Bizarro World!
Endel, You will be a great asset to the Kenosha Police Dept..Congratulations and God Bless you and keep you and all our officers safe. 🙏❤️
He can be a bigger influence on young black men than perhaps any other authority figure. He is an asset to Kenosha.
What a great role model and inspiration this man will be for today’s youth! Great article!!
Mr. Williams, You should be proud of yourself. I’m here saying that your family should be proud of you too. Not many people would have the determination to change like that. Keeping you in my prayers that others will see your potential and mentor you. Congratulations on a job well done.
I appreciate that this guy turned his life around. In reading this he got some great breaks…only doing part of his sentence, getting a pardon, starting a group for troubled kids but becoming a deputy crossed the line. The cops who arrested this guy, the prosecutors who sentenced him- all got a slap in the face by the governor and now get slapped again by this publicity stunt. He broke the law in 1993 and got sentenced. He repeated this again in 1996-obviously did not learn. Wonder how the background investigation went ? (So I see you were unemployed for a few years). I want to know how this deputy will deal with drug offenders he has to arrest. Will be be a cop or zealot? I know of a couple social workers who became cops and failed because they wanted to help the offender as opposed to enforce the laws. And I won’t even mention being a rookie patrol deputy at 50. I wonder if his past associates may come into play as well. And there’s the “you’re busting me for a FELONY that you committed too?”
I appreciate his life changed and he can help others, but I am skeptical doing that mission in a law enforcement uniform.
Many officers who dealt with Endel in his youth were someone his biggest supporters and wrote letters to Gov. Evers in support of the pardon.
Great article!! Endel is going to be an amazing asset to Kenosha! Too bad RPD didn’t pick him up first, we could really use someone with his experience and unique perspective to work with the youth in our community
Congratulations Deputy, I wish you well. As a retired police officer, policing is far more than traffic stops, writing tickets and arresting people. I started policing later in life, and my life experiences played a huge roll in how I handled the many different incidents and people I dealt with throughout my career. I advised new younger officers how to be empathetic, listen and observe. If someone is calling the police, their day has already hit rock bottom and why make it worse by being authoritative and abrasive. Introducing yourself by your first name was a great tactic to make the contact more personal. Did this always work? No, but in general it was a good way to set the tone of the interaction. Obviously, certain incidents dictate different approaches and attitudes. I met a lot of great people, that unfortunately in many cases, were having the worst day of their lives.
Some of y’all comments you should of kept.He paid his due did his time.Do you believe in forgiving obviously not but it doesn’t matter he still achieved and now living his dream let him be.Its your opinion true but some of y’all should of said nothing. Congratulations do your thang.Dont let negativity stop your blessings go harder.You only have to answer to one person God.
No. He does not answer to God. While at work, he answers to the taxpayers, through their elected Sheriff.
Enough with this Roman’s 13 bullshit.
No. He does not answer to God. While at work, he answers to the taxpayers, through their elected Sheriff.
Enough with this Roman’s 13 bullshit.
No. He does not answer to God. While at work, he answers to the taxpayers, through their elected Sheriff.
Enough with this Roman’s 13 bullshit.
I love hearing success stories like this.
Just like a not guilty verdict may be a technicality, a conviction may also be.
I think this guy could do really well.
Not many people make it past the background check, or the MMPI.
Congratulations! Everyone deserves a chance. I applaud him for taking responsibility for his actions and changing his behavior. His life experiences and age, I believe, will be an asset as a deputy. The community should be supportive of individuals like him and welcoming instead of being negative and doubtful. This man earned where he is today and if anyone thinks that’s an easy task then you need to stepback and reevaluate your character because this man has showed character by his resilience to move forward defying all odds!
I have known this man for more than a decade. I have watched his growth and change. He will be great, a true blessing for Kenosha. And for you who condemn this hire and this man…read the words in the Gospel…”Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Shame on you.
Aside from the back story- are they that desperate for cops that they hire a 50 year old? That’s just asking for a workers comp case…
Second chance? More like third or fourth, terrible idea and have a feeling this will backfire.
There are many “clean” law enforcement applicants who have never had anything on the records and things like physical fitness prevent them from being hired. This is the way our “policing” system is becoming in the US. Citizens now have to make sure our own police officers can be held accountable. No wonder why we can not trust our own police.
Congratulations! Hard work dedication pays off! Everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone makes mistakes! I’m glad he’s getting a chance.
He definitely did not pass the background check. That part of the interview process was 100% overlooked for the good press.