Jolliff announces pick for undersheriff

Bruce Jolliff, Republican candidate for Harvey County sheriff, announced Wednesday he will appoint former undersheriff Mike Watkins as his undersheriff if he is elected as sheriff.

Jolliff is running against Democrat T. Walton for the sheriff’s post.

“Mike is a well-respected member of the law-enforcement community,” Jolliff said in a new release. “I am extremely pleased to have Mike as my undersheriff.”

Watkins, who has more than 34 years of law-enforcement experience, was Harvey County undersheriff under Byron Motter from 2001 to 2005.

Watkins started his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Newton Police Department in 1971. He joined the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office as a road patrol deputy in 1975. From 1981 to 1984, he was a K-9 handler.

Watkins was named as a criminal investigator with the sheriff’s office in 1991. That same year, he established the multi-agency Harvey County Emergency Response team and served as the team’s commander until 2005.

Watkins also has military experience.

After a 24-year career with the Kansas Army National Guard, he retired in 2003 as a first sergeant. He was responsible for the supervision of daily operations, logistics, administration and training of a 120-man infantry company. He was deployed on active duty in 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Mike will bring stability to the sheriff’s office,” Jolliff said. “He knows this office very well, and I have full confidence in his ability to support its mission of serving and protecting the citizens of Harvey County.”