Vernon County’s sheriff announces he won’t see re-election

Two weeks ago, La Crosse County Sheriff Jeff Wolf announced he would not run for re-election.

Monday, Vernon County’s Sheriff, John Spears, did the same.

Spears said he’s been in law enforcement for the past 40 years, including 12 as sheriff.

“I was very fortunate to have served under two previous sheriff’s, Sheriff Geoffrey Banta and Sheriff Gene Cary,” Spears wrote in a news release. “I look forward to joining them as “Retired” and to reflect back on a long history of service in Vernon County.”

Three hours after that news was sent to media, Vernon County Deputy Sheriff Roy Torgerson emailed a news release announcing his candidacy for the sheriff’s position.

Torgerson said he’s nearing in on 30 years in law enforcement. He did not state whether he was running as a Democrat or Republican, as the elected position is partisan.