10/27/2026
Unfortunately, I feel compelled to address concerns following recent public information requests submitted by Matt Huschle and Melissa Gunderson, the wife of my opponent in the Clearwater County Sheriff's election.
I want to be straightforward with the citizens of Clearwater County. Yes, over the past 16 years, I have faced disciplinary action during my career. As my opponent has stated, everyone makes mistakes. I agree with that statement, and I have never claimed to be perfect. What matters is how we respond to those mistakes, whether we take responsibility for them, and what we learn moving forward.
I have always taken ownership of my mistakes. Nothing in my disciplinary record involves illegal, immoral, or unethical conduct. The disciplinary actions involved instances where I did not meet the high professional standards and expectations that the Sheriff's Office holds its employees to.
I understand those standards, I respect them, and I believe they are essential to maintaining the professionalism and integrity of the Sheriff's Office. I have accepted the consequences of my mistakes and used those experiences to grow both personally and professionally.
I believe the best way to address these concerns is to share a letter from Sheriff Darin Halverson, who has worked with me, held me accountable, and witnessed my professional growth firsthand.
I encourage everyone to read his letter and consider his perspective
Letter from Sheriff Halverson:
Over a decade ago, Clarence LaCroix and I had a conversation about his desire to become Sheriff someday. I saw that potential in him then, and over the years, I have had the opportunity to watch him grow both personally and professionally. Because I believed in his potential, I also knew it was important to prepare him for the responsibility that comes with leading a Sheriff’s Office. That meant holding him to high expectations and, at times, a higher standard than others. I did so because I believed he was capable of meeting those expectations and understood what would be required of him as a leader.
One of the hardest parts of leadership is discipline. It is never easy to hold someone accountable or make difficult decisions, but it is a necessary part of maintaining the integrity and professionalism of an organization. Clarence understood that, even when those decisions were difficult. He has never held a grudge, and I believe that says a great deal about his character. He understands that accountability is not personal; it is part of doing the job right.
Having worked with Clarence and watched his development over the years, I have tremendous faith in him. I know the expectations I have placed on him, and I would not have done so if I did not believe he had the ability and character to meet them. I have no doubt that Clarence will serve Clearwater County with professionalism, integrity, fairness, and empathy. Most importantly, I trust him to remember that being Sheriff is not about the title; it is about serving the people, making difficult decisions when necessary, and treating others with dignity and respect. I believe Clarence is ready for this responsibility, and I am proud to continue supporting him as the next Clearwater County Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Darin Halverson
Clearwater County Sheriff.
Again, I have never run from my mistakes. I own them, I take responsibility for them, and I learn from them.
I have spent my entire career serving this community, and I plan to retire here. This is my home. It is where my wife and I have chosen to raise our children, and it is where I intend to spend the rest of my life.
I could have chosen to move from one department to another whenever I faced challenges or made mistakes. But that would not have been the right example to set for my children, nor would it reflect the values I believe in.
I believe that true character is not defined by never making mistakes, but by how we take responsibility for them, learn from them, and move forward. I have chosen to stay, face my challenges, and continue serving the community I call home.
