Endorsements
"I have had a combined career in law enforcement of 32 years. I started as a reserve/full time officer for PTPD and the past 17 years of those have been with JCSO. I have worked with Andy as a peer, under him as my sergeant, and now for him as my Sheriff. It has been amazing watching him grow as a supervisor and leader. It has turned into an amazing team. I am proud to be a part of it. He has earned our support and is clear what he is planning to do with it. Let's keep this going strong!!!" ~Jason Avery, Port Hadlock.
— Jason Avery
Vote for Andy! I had the good fortune to observe and interact with Andy during my tenure (2003 - 2009) as a previous Jefferson County Sheriff. I had the opportunity to see his professional skills and abilities, as well as his personality and initiative throughout my tenure. I saw firsthand his strong community and professional commitment. His people skills were outstanding. His positive reputation throughout the community was built on his innovations and integrity. He was active in community programs and organizations and brought an enthusiastic advocacy to issues and causes that were important to Jefferson County residents. His perspective on these issues transcended traditional law enforcement viewpoints.
He was thoughtful and incisive when presented with demanding situations.
Andy is one of those rare professionals that has the ability and intelligence to be able to master operations, investigations, planning, budget preparation, administration, nurturing community support, team building, etc., he will be able to accomplish whatever is needed. As importantly, he has the ability to mentor and train subordinates in these skills. He is also able to clearly set standards and communicate those standards to the Sheriff's Office personnel and to ensure that they are adhered to in an ethical manner.
— Mike Brasfield
Former Jefferson County Sheriff
Over 12 years ago, I fled a domestic violence situation, terrified that my ex would find and kill me — and anyone who tried to help. Andy was the deputy who responded to my call. He treated me with respect, took my report and photos of my injuries, and most importantly, made me feel safe enough to speak up. Andy encouraged me to file the report not just for myself, but to protect others. Because of that, my abuser is now a convicted felon. Today, I’m happily married with children in a safe and loving home. I truly don’t know if I would have gotten out without Andy’s compassion and support. That’s why I’m proud to support Andy for Sheriff. ~Jennifer Dyrseth.
— Jennifer Dyrseth
Dear Jefferson County Citizens,
Please accept this letter as a strong endorsement and recommendation for Andy Pernsteiner.
I have worked in the law enforcement field for over 29 years and have had the privilege of knowing and working with Andy for nearly 23 of those years—both professionally and personally.
In his current role, Andy is responsible for leading, coaching, and mentoring Sheriff’s Department staff. He has consistently brought valuable skills and expertise not only to our Sheriff’s Office but also to the citizens of Jefferson County. I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to both the community and the profession.
Andy has built a solid and positive reputation throughout the community through his innovation, integrity, and dedication. He is actively involved in various community programs and organizations and brings passionate advocacy to issues that matter deeply to the residents of Jefferson County and the State of Washington.
Throughout my career, I’ve interacted with a wide range of leaders across different sectors, which has helped shape my understanding of what true leadership looks like. I can say without hesitation that Andy possesses all the qualities of an exceptional leader.
It is with great confidence and without reservation that I recommend Andy Pernsteiner for Sheriff. He is a true public servant, dedicated to the people.
Sincerely,
— Tony Hernandez
Tony Hernandez
Former Jefferson County Sheriff and Current Police Chief
Former Jefferson County Sheriff
The world feels loud and hostile right now. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, one thing remains true: we all share this space. And when you zoom out and look at everything happening globally, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—to shut down, disengage, and turn away from the struggles that feel too big to fix.
I’ve been there too.
The world is so big—what can we really do? It’s easy to feel helpless, like our voices can’t be heard above the cacophony of it all.
But in that noise, I’ve come to understand something important: what matters most is our community. A small splash in a pond creates bigger ripples than in the sea.
Making sure the right people are elected to the right roles is one of the best ways we can take care of our community. And I firmly believe that Andy Pernsteiner is the right person for the role of sheriff.
Andy has deep roots in Jefferson County. Andy is known and respected for his leadership, sense of duty, and above all, his humility. Leadership isn’t about rising above others—it’s about rising with them, through service. That’s why it’s no surprise that most of his deputies and staff are supporting him in this campaign.
On a local level, when you look at the real issues facing us here at home, there’s no one more qualified. With 27 years in the department, Andy has weathered hard times and shown up for this community time and again.
As Mr. Rogers once said:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
I’ve known Andy for a long time—and he is that helper. Through his work at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, he’s supported and protected this community. Chances are, he’s helped you—whether you realized it or not.
The world might still be loud, but here in Jefferson County, we have a chance to lead with kindness. I hope you’ll remember the importance of local leadership—and the kind of steady, humble service Andy Pernsteiner represents.
Vote Andy for Jefferson County Sheriff.
~J. Jackson, Port Hadlock.
— J. Jackson
I am writing this letter in support of Sheriff Andrew Pernsteiner to be elected Sheriff of Jefferson County.
I have had the privilege of knowing Andy Pernsteiner for 25 years and working side by side with him for 16 years.
Pernsteiner has the experience and leadership skills who has led the Jefferson County Sheriff Office for the last 6 years. During those 6 years as Undersheriff, Pernsteiner has led by example, he would not ask any employee to do something he wouldn’t do himself.
Pernsteiner has the respect and more importantly the trust of the men and women of the Jefferson County Sheriff Office (JCSO).
Pernsteiner understands the unique challenges that law enforcement faces in Jefferson County, he has the vision, leadership, experience and most of all the Integrity to lead JCSO moving forward.
After this 8-month temporary appointment, the citizens of Jefferson County will get to elect the next Sheriff of Jefferson County, Pernsteiner has been the glue that has kept JCSO together, he is the only and best choice to keep JCSO moving forward.
I ask you to elect Andrew Pernsteiner as Sheriff for the citizens of Jefferson County, Thank you.
Kind regards,
Gary Maxfield
— Gary Maxfield
"As a local realtor and lifetime community member, I support Andy for Jefferson County Sheriff. He’s community focused, leads with integrity, and truly cares about people. Andy supports local businesses, backs mental health programs and stands with groups like JCIRA to protect everyone in our community. He’s the kind of leader we need." Kelly McNees, Port Ludlow.
— Kelly McNees
Andy Pernsteiner was my Undersheriff, or second in command, for the past six years during my term as Jefferson County Sheriff. Andy has an extremely thorough knowledge of the duties of the Sheriff and the operations of the Sheriff’s Office. During my tenure I relied on Andy to successfully oversee the operation of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as work on the budget, hiring, payroll, and assisting with administration of the Jefferson County Correctional Facility.
I have known Andy for over 25 years. During that time, I have found him to be consistently honest, compassionate, fair, and professional. He puts our community first and is not afraid to work. Andy recognizes the importance of workplace morale and working together with other county departments and outside agencies to make the community a better place for everyone. Andy is cognizant of the fact that we are all in this together.
I wholeheartedly endorse Andy Pernsteiner for Jefferson County Sheriff. Andy has the knowledge, skills, drive, compassion, and leadership abilities to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future. Please join me in supporting Andy Pernsteiner and electing him as our next Sheriff.
Retired Jefferson County Sheriff, Joe Nole
— Joe Nole
Retired Jefferson County Sheriff
We are writing to express our strong support for Andy Pernsteiner in his campaign for reelection as Sheriff of Jefferson County. Sheriff Pernsteiner has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public safety, transparency, and community engagement—qualities essential for effective law enforcement leadership.
Sheriff Pernsteiner has not only brought professional experience and integrity to the role, but he has also shown a deep understanding of the unique needs of Jefferson County. His proactive approach to building relationships with residents, local organizations, and government officials has helped foster trust and cooperation throughout the community. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has strengthened its commitment to accountability, modernized its practices, and worked diligently to ensure the safety of all who live and work in the county.
In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to have a leader with both the vision and the character to navigate complex issues with fairness and resolve. Sheriff Pernsteiner has proven he is up to the task, and I am confident that Jefferson County will continue to benefit from his steady leadership and genuine care for our community.
We urge our fellow residents to join us in supporting Andy Pernsteiner for Sheriff. Let’s keep Jefferson County moving in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Ken and Karen Przygocki
— Karen and Ken Przygocki
"I’ve dispatched for Andy for 7 years as a supervisor, undersheriff, and now sheriff. He is kind, makes a good day out of the bad, and always is good for a laugh. I am married to a deputy and he always speaks highly of Andy as a supervisor. I respect Andy as a leader and look forward to what he will do and has done for the department and community. This is a great group he has under he is command.” ~ Summer Sturhan, Port Hadlock
— Summer Sturhan
