Don Hollingshead (Republican)

9160 Heavenly Dr
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
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I was born and raised in Laramie County, choosing this community to dedicate both my personal and professional life. First, and foremost, I am a husband of 34 years to my wonderful wife, Sue, father of two amazing children Jake and Jenna, father-in-law to their spouses, Briana and Thomas, and grandfather, Daggy, to my five beautiful grandchildren, Haley, Ella, Adam, Marcus and Sawyer .

I am an avid woodworker, gardener, and fisherman, but my favorite activity is to spend time with my family. I have also served in many volunteer roles within the community to include serving as an elder in my church, Kiwanis Board member, Board Chair for Safe Harbor Children’s Justice Center, and Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. As well as many other organizations throughout the years.

I have served my entire 27 year law enforcement career with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office. I started off as a Detention Deputy in 1995, then transferred to patrol a few years later. My patrol experience includes, Patrol Deputy, rural area Sgt., and Patrol Lt. I transferred back to the jail in 2018 as the Jail Security Lt., then in 2019 I was promoted to Jail Captain. In this capacity I oversee all jail operations and am responsible for the jails approximately 18 million dollar budget.

Cheyenne East High School graduate, 2017 FBI National Academy graduate, 2015 Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Academy graduate.

D.A.R.E Officer, board member Wyoming Special Friends, board member Wyoming Association of Risk Management, board member Safe Harbor Children’s Justice Center, board member Laramie County Alcohol Prevention Collation, Kiwanis member and board member, and Eder Board member Meadowbrooke Church,

I am running for Sheriff because I love this agency and the citizens of Laramie County and believe this community needs a leader with the experience and knowledge of not only this agency but how the county operates. With the many challenges facing Laramie County, the Sheriff's Office needs a tested leader, one who knows how to overcome adversity as in the case of the global pandemic and how it affected the jail, as well as a leader who has the empathy and skill to find ways to better assist our communities growing mental health and addiction issues. I am the only candidate who understands how both the Sheriff Office and county government in general operate and I have developed great working relationships with all of the County Commissioners and other elected officials as well as the leaders of the various City, County and State agencies. For all these reasons and more I feel I am the best candidate to lead Laramie County into the future.

1. Better compensation for the civilian and sworn staff - Accomplished

2. Fill the many open positions within the agency to better serve the citizens of Laramie County - In progress, with the recent pay increase I helped secure we are once again competitive with the other area agencies and now have the ability to attract quality applicants.

3. Work with community partners to address the addiction and mental health issues in Laramie County. Currently in progress, this also goes hand in hand with combating the drug issues currently facing Laramie County.

As I am there only candidate who is currently in law enforcement and have spent all of my 27 year career with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, I can hit the ground running on day one to tackle these issues.