John Zerga (Republican)

2164 North St
Lander, Wyoming 82520
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John Zerga is a lifelong resident of Fremont County, born and raised in Lander, Wyoming. He graduated from Lander Valley High School in 1986 and has remained deeply committed to the community he proudly calls home. John is the son of George and Joan Zerga. His father served as Superintendent of Mill Creek School in Fort Washakie, and his mother was a school nurse before becoming a registered nurse in Lander. Their dedication to education, healthcare, and public service inspired John's lifelong commitment to serving others. John is married to Larado Zerga. Together they have built their lives in Fremont County and raised three children: David Ruff, Jessica Zerga, and Megan Reed. They are also proud grandparents of Beaux, Zilly, and Muna. A lifelong outdoorsman, John enjoys hunting, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his family while enjoying the beauty and wide-open spaces of Fremont County.

John Zerga began his law enforcement career in 1999 after graduating from the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. After serving as a Park Ranger and Natrona County Detention Officer, he joined the Fremont County Sheriff's Office, where he has served for 26 years as a Detention Officer, Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, and Acting Lieutenant third in command. He has received three Governor's Awards for his work with the DUI Task Force.

John graduated from the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in 1999. He has completed advanced training in homicide investigations, background investigations, and First-Line Supervisor training through the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. He also attended FBI training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. These advanced courses have strengthened his investigative expertise and prepared him to serve in leadership and supervisory roles, providing him with the knowledge and experience to lead.

John Zerga is an active member of the Word of Faith Family Church and has been a member of the Wyoming USBC bowling association for more than 30 years. Through his church involvement and longtime participation in local bowling, John has built lasting friendships and remained connected to people throughout Fremont County. He values the sense of fellowship, teamwork, and community that these organizations provide.

After dedicating 26 years to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office, John Zerga understands the organization, the people who serve in it, and the community it is sworn to protect. His experience has given him firsthand knowledge of the Sheriff's Office's strengths, challenges, and the expectations of the citizens of Fremont County.
John is running for Sheriff because Fremont County is his home, and he believes his experience, leadership, and commitment to public service will strengthen the Sheriff's Office for the future. His priorities include improving employee morale, developing strong and accountable supervisors, investing in modern technology and equipment, and providing deputies, detention staff, and dispatchers with the training and resources they need to succeed.
John also believes public safety extends beyond law enforcement. He is committed to working with community partners to improve access to mental health resources and services that reduce the revolving door of the jail while enhancing public safety. His vision is to build a Sheriff's Office that is professional, accountable, transparent, and trusted by the people it serves while fostering a workplace where employees are proud to serve Fremont County.

John Zerga's first priority is strengthening the Fremont County Sheriff's Office by improving employee morale, developing strong supervisors, and providing deputies, detention staff, and dispatchers with the leadership, training, technology, equipment, and support they need to succeed. His goal is to build an organization where employees choose to build long-term careers rather than using the Sheriff's Office as a stepping stone to other agencies.
His second priority is protecting the safety of Fremont County through proactive policing, targeted enforcement of serious and violent crime, and strong partnerships with local, tribal, state, and federal agencies. John is committed to constitutional policing by faithfully upholding the United States Constitution and enforcing Wyoming law with professionalism, fairness, and integrity. His goal is to ensure every community in Fremont County remains safe while preserving the rights, freedoms, and trust of the citizens he serves.
His third priority is addressing the growing challenges of mental health and substance abuse. John believes law enforcement cannot solve these issues alone. He is committed to working alongside healthcare providers, community organizations, local governments, and state agencies to improve access to treatment and services that reduce repeat incarceration and help individuals receive the care they need instead of continually cycling through the jail.