Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener has launched his campaign for a second term in office.

The Republican has 35 years of law enforcement experience, including 30 years with the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.

“I am honored to have been elected Webster County sheriff, and I remain dedicated to the service of our citizens with proven leadership and 35 years of law enforcement experience,” he said.

“During my first term as sheriff our team has achieved many great things for our department and I am excited for the bright future,” he added. “I look forward to another four years leading the Sheriff’s Office in continued success serving our community.”

Fleener faces a challenge in the Republican primary from Deputy Sheriff Trevir Michehl. No Democrats have entered the race, so the Republican primary election will likely determine the next sheriff.

During Fleener’s term, the Sheriff’s Office took over operation of the county’s 911 dispatch center from a New Jersey company.

Fleener also instituted security screening for anyone entering the Webster County Courthouse.

He worked with the Fort Dodge Community Foundation to secure a $200,000 federal crime prevention grant. He also secured a former military armored vehicle to be used by local law enforcement officers during high risk operations.

The sheriff also implemented a school resource officers program for rural Webster County schools.

Fleener proposed building a new jail to replace the small one on the top floor of the Webster County Law Enforcement Center. A general obligation bond issue that would have paid for it failed by a narrow margin during a 2023 referendum.

In a June 2023 complaint filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, former Deputy Amy Stringer accused Fleener of retaliation and harassment after she complained about alleged improper or illegal activities by another former deputy. In response to that complaint, Fleener has said he did nothing wrong.

Fleener began his career as a Dayton police officer in 1990. He became a Fort Dodge police officer later that 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 a graduate of Dayton High School. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Iowa Central Community College.