ENDORSEMENTS
Sen. Ben Hansen
“I have known Kevin Willis for many years and am proud to endorse him for Washington County Sheriff. Kevin is an honest man of unwavering integrity, with a deep commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the fundamental rights of every citizen in our community. His extensive experience in law enforcement, combined with his principled leadership and dedication to serving the people rather than political agendas, make him the right choice to lead our Sheriff’s Office. I have served with him on the Blair City Council and worked with him to introduce and pass the Stolen Valor law in Nebraska, protecting the honor and service of our military veterans. Kevin will enforce the law fairly, respect our freedoms, and keep Washington County safe for all. I wholeheartedly support Kevin Willis for Sheriff and encourage my fellow residents to join me in voting for him.”
Ben Hansen
Nebraska State Senator District 16
Joe Lager
"Kevin has been and currently is a trusted confidant of mine, very experienced law enforcement officer at multiple levels, trustworthy, well respected by his peers and dedicated to the service of others. All of which make Kevin Willis an excellent choice for the Sheriff of Washington County."
Joseph Lager
Former chief, Blair Police
Chuck Smith
“My name is Chuck Smith, and I work in Louisiana as a sworn law enforcement officer and member of the Violent Crime Unit in Baton Rouge. Additionally, I serve as Commander of Disaster Mortuary Response Team (DMORT) for Region VI, a Federal Response Unit of the Department of Health and Human Services. I have known Kevin Willis through our common leadership roles in DMORT. I know Kevin to be an incredibly dedicated public servant. In our leadership positions we are tasked with managing a team of employees and advocating for those employees to our Headquarters Division. Kevin has always exhibited a moral compass that has been directed first toward mission success closely followed by taking care of those who he is directed to oversee. It has been said that the measure of a man is what he does when no one is watching. I can honestly say that I have had this opportunity to observe Kevin’s decisions when he is alone and will say without hesitation that Kevin will always do the right thing. My only regret is that I am a resident of Baton Rouge and do not have the ability to vote for Kevin Willis. Your county cannot go wrong in electing Kevin Willis as your Sheriff.”
Chuck Smith
Commander, Disaster Mortuary Response Team (DMORT) for Region VI
Wayne Flora
"My name is Wayne Flora, and I have been involved in Washington County law enforcement since 1976. I am writing to offer my personal endorsement of Kevin Willis for Washington County Sheriff in the upcoming May election.
During my tenure as Sheriff, I had the opportunity to hire Kevin Willis as a road patrol deputy in 1992. Over the course of his career with the Sheriff’s Department, Kevin served in a variety of roles, demonstrating strong leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service. He possesses extensive experience and a deep understanding of both law enforcement operations and administrative responsibilities.
Based on my professional experience working with Kevin and my confidence in his abilities, I am proud to endorse and support Kevin Willis for Washington County Sheriff."
Wayne Flora
Current deputy and former Washington County Sheriff
Ben Scherer
Dear Citizens of Washington County, Nebraska,
After a long career in law enforcement — beginning with the City of Blair and concluding as Chief Deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office — I am honored to offer this letter in support of Kevin Willis.
I have known Kevin for more than 30 years, both personally and professionally. During our time working together at the Blair Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, I observed firsthand his dedication to public service and his commitment to the communities he served.
Kevin has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and respect for the oath of office. He carries himself with strength of character, sound judgment, and a clear intellectual approach to law enforcement. His strong work ethic and genuine motivation to pursue justice made him a trusted colleague and a dependable leader.
Based on my extensive experience working alongside him, I offer my highest regard and confidence in Kevin Willis.
Sincerely,
Ben Scherer
Former Chief Deputy, Washington County Sheriff's Office
Tony Hale
My name is Tony Hale. I served in the Blair Police Department from 1974 to 1993, serving through the ranks of patrol officer, Investigator and Sergeant of the investigations unit. I then served as the Police Chief my last 10 years in the department.
During my time serving as the chief. Kevin Willis was brought on as one of our reserve officers. Kevin during his time serving in the department was an outstanding officer. Kevin was always honest and operated with great integrity. Kevin was always reliable and had higher aspirations to be well rounded in the criminal justice field.
I have known Kevin for over 30 plus years. I have watched his growth and positions he has served in law enforcement.
I have known Kevin both professionally and personally.
I give him my full endorsement for the position of the Washington County Sheriff’s upcoming election.
Tony Hale
Former Blair Police Chief
Kirk Highfill
I would like to formally endorse Kevin Willis for Sheriff of Washington County, Nebraska, in the Primary Election on May 12, 2026, and the General Election on November 3, 2026.
I offer my endorsement based on his long-standing commitment to the Washington County community and his proven leadership within the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. His seven years of service as Chief Deputy, combined with over 25 years of total service in the department, demonstrate his dedication to public safety, professionalism, and effective law enforcement.
Along with his commitment to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, he has also been very active in local government, serving as a Blair City Council Ward 3 Council Member for 11 years. His dedication to the citizens of Blair has been outstanding, and his experience in municipal leadership has provided him with a strong understanding of community needs, collaboration, and responsible governance.
Throughout his career, Kevin has shown a genuine concern for the residents of Washington County and a strong ability to lead with integrity, accountability, and respect. I am confident that Kevin will continue to serve our community well as Sheriff.
Kirk A. Highfill
Haley Grace-Jolin Touchard
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to offer my full and enthusiastic endorsement of Kevin Willis for Washington County Sheriff.
I had the privilege of knowing Kevin Willis during my employment in corrections at the Washington County Jail, where I worked from May 2019 through July 2023. At that time, Kevin served as Chief Deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Although we did not work directly together on a daily basis, Kevin made it a priority to build meaningful relationships with corrections officers, and through his consistent presence and genuine leadership, he became someone I greatly respected and trusted.
Every Friday, Chief Deputy Willis made it a point to visit the control rooms within the corrections department. These visits were not simply routine walk-throughs — they were intentional opportunities for him to connect with staff, listen to concerns, and ensure we had the resources needed to succeed. While many were understandably nervous during leadership visits, I always looked forward to seeing him. Kevin treated every employee as an equal, showing respect, kindness, and sincerity in every interaction. He consistently asked what we needed and followed through whenever concerns were brought to his attention. His leadership was dependable, approachable, and truly admirable.
Beyond his professional role, Kevin Willis demonstrated remarkable compassion and character during one of the most difficult periods of my life. As I was going through a divorce and starting over with my son, I moved into a new home with virtually nothing. Without being asked — and without even knowing the full extent of my situation — Kevin showed up with furniture, kitchen essentials, and household items so that my son and I could live comfortably. He continued to check in and offer support, exemplifying the selflessness and care that define his character. He was the most compassionate and supportive leader I have ever worked under.
Today, I work for a community-based organization and frequently attend local events where I still have the opportunity to see Kevin Willis. I always make a point to remind him of the positive impact he had on my life. I often introduce him as the man who helped change my life for the better — a testament to the lasting influence of his leadership, generosity, and integrity.
I recommend Kevin Willis without hesitation as the best candidate for Washington County Sheriff. I am confident that he will serve our county with pride, professionalism, grace, and unwavering dedication. His proven leadership, compassion for others, and commitment to excellence make him exceptionally qualified for this role.
Sincerely,
Haley Grace-Jolin Touchard
Chief Andrew Hilscher
As the Chief of Police for the City of Bennington, I am writing to strongly endorse Kevin Willis for the position of Washington County Sheriff.
I have known Kevin Willis for 9 years and have witnessed his dedication to public safety and service. His extensive experience in law enforcement leadership makes him exceptionally qualified to lead the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
I am particularly impressed by Kevin Willis’ commitment to strengthening community partnerships. Kevin Willis has a deep understanding of the legal responsibilities of the office and a profound commitment to serving our community with integrity.
Kevin Willis is the experienced and dedicated leader our Washington County needs. I encourage you to vote for Kevin Willis for Washington County Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hilscher
Bennington Chief of Police
