VanGesen Announces candidacy for Boundary County Sheriff

Jon VanGesen, 54, of Naples, is entering the race for Boundary County Sheriff.

VanGesen said he decided to run for sheriff in the 2024 Republican primary election to continue the path of success established by Dave Kramer, who is retiring

After discussing the open sheriff seat with many people in the community, VanGesen said it was clear that Boundary County wanted and needed another choice for sheriff with the proven leadership that Boundary County needs.

“Being sheriff requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, vast experience and skills, and public trust. The position of sheriff does not provide on-the-job training and your sheriff should be able to perform his duties on day one," VanGesen said.  

VanGesen said he would continue to protect Boundary County from federal government overreach and would not allow his deputies to enforce unconstitutional laws or mandates, continuing to protect individual liberties in Boundary County.  

VanGesen said, if elected, he would prioritize the safety of Boundary County, by continuing to enhance communication with the community, prioritizing the installation of mobile data terminals in patrol vehicles, keeping deputies in the field, providing regular information to the public, and directing resources to the highest needs of the community.  

Along with the community, VanGesen said he will continue to expect professionalism by adopting best practices through policies and procedures and expecting all employees to model the office’s core values. 

“From the initial call to 911, to the patrol deputy responding to the citizen requesting a service from the sheriff’s office to our detention staff housing an inmate, Boundary County residents expect to be treated professionally and with respect,” he said. “The pledge by our staff will be to do our very best with every community interaction.”  

VanGesen will invest in the future of the sheriff’s office by planning for the current and future needs of the jail, patrol, and 911, including expanding volunteer opportunities, capital improvements, and professional development of our employees.  

Jon VanGesen, and his wife, April, have been married for nearly 30 years. They have six children and are raising their granddaughter. There are four generations of his family living in North Idaho.  

VanGesen serves as the lieutenant of Professional Standards for the  Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. He also oversees the operations and personnel of Bonner County 911, driver licensing, support services, civil services, internal affairs, recruitment, hiring and their budgets. VanGesen was hired by Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler in January 2021 as a patrol deputy, promoted to detective in March 2022 and was promoted to lieutenant earlier this month.  

VanGesen retired December 2020 after a 29-year career with the Kitsap County  Sheriff’s Office in Washington. During his career, VanGesen has held nearly every rank and supervised or managed most specialty units and divisions within a sheriff’s office. VanGesen has vast experience in administration of a sheriff’s office. This includes budget, personnel, policy, operations of patrol, investigation, detention, 911, support services, civil process, grants, and strategic planning.  

VanGesen has a dedicated life of community service including serving school districts, youth camps, youth soccer, service groups, international mission trips, community organizations and nonprofit boards. Currently, VanGesen is coordinating the North Idaho’s Shop with a Cop, in which 45 children in need from  Boundary and Bonner County will go on a shopping spree with deputies and meet Santa next month. Jon is actively involved with the Bonners Ferry Rotary and ministries at their church in Bonners Ferry.  

“Protecting and serving has been my life’s calling and I am eager to serve as  Boundary County Sheriff and humbly ask for your vote,” VanGesen said.  

Information: VanGesen4Sheriff.com