In the race for Webster County sheriff, incumbent Republican Luke Fleener faces a challenge from one of his lieutenants, Trevir Michehl, who is running as a Libertarian.

Michhel lost to Fleener in the Republican primary last spring but re-entered the race as the Libertarian candidate. The sheriff’s race was the only local race in which the Libertarian Party fielded a candidate.

Here is an introduction about the candidates.

Luke Fleener

He has been the Webster County sheriff since 2021. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. He began his career as a Dayton police officer in 1990. He became a Fort Dodge police officer the same year. He served as a deputy sheriff in Hamilton County from 1993 to 1995. He joined the Webster County Sheriff’s Office in 1995.

He is the commander of a regional tactical unit that handles high-risk arrest and search warrants. He is also a certified instructor who conducts active shooter response training across the country.

Fleener is a board member of the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association. He is also a member of the Iowa Narcotics Officers Association, the Iowa Law Enforcement Intelligence Network, and the Community and Family Resources Opioid Task Force.,

He is a graduate of Dayton High School. He earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Iowa Central Community College.

What would be your top priority if elected?

“When re-elected as sheriff of Webster County, we will continue to strive for excellence in all areas of law enforcement, that is our mission statement. It has always been my top priority to provide the citizens of Webster County with the best possible service when called upon. This can only be achieved by all of our employees; Our sworn personnel, Our correctional officers and dispatch officers serve our citizens with the best training opportunities and the best equipment to do the job they are assigned to do in the best way possible.

“We have also worked tirelessly to create a leadership-focused environment within our department to develop and create our department’s future leaders. “It is extremely important that the citizens of Webster County know that we have a plan and dedicated staff to serve them for years to come.”

Trevir Michell

Michehl began his law enforcement career in 20023 as a volunteer with the Webster County Reserves. He became Webster County jailer in 2004.

He later became a reserve police officer in Gowrie, followed by positions with the Webster City and Okoboji police departments. He became a deputy sheriff in Webster County in 2017.

What would be your top priority if elected?

“The top priority is to ensure the safety and security of the community. This requires implementing highly effective crime prevention strategies, close cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, and encouraging community participation to build trust and cooperation.

“Simultaneously, it is critical to establish a positive relationship between law enforcement and the community. This can be achieved through open communication, transparency, and the implementation of community-oriented policing initiatives. By actively engaging with community leaders, organizations, and residents, a strong sense of partnership and mutual trust can be developed.

“These are just a few of the top priorities, and specific areas of focus may vary depending on community needs and challenges.”