Who Endorses Kevin Burns for Sheriff

It is with great pride and confidence that I endorse Kevin Burns for the position of San Juan County Sheriff.

I have had the privilege of knowing Kevin for the past ten years, during which time I have witnessed his unwavering dedication to public service. Kevin is an honest, hardworking individual whose integrity and commitment to the community are beyond reproach.

Throughout his career in law enforcement, Kevin has consistently demonstrated a passion to serve and protect. He adheres to best practices in policing and brings a thoughtful, professional approach to every challenge. His leadership is marked by accountability, transparency, and a genuine desire to build a safer community for all residents of San Juan County.

Kevin’s focus on modern, community-oriented policing ensures that both public safety and public trust remain top priorities. I am confident that his experience, values, and vision make him the right choice for Sheriff.

I strongly encourage the voters of San Juan County to support Kevin Burns. He has the character, competence, and compassion necessary to lead with distinction.

 I am proud to offer my unequivocal endorsement of THE Kevin Burns for Sheriff of San Juan County in 2026.

Kevin and I had the privilege of serving together while running the Narcotics Division, a period that demanded not only tactical proficiency but also disciplined leadership, ethical clarity, and relentless commitment to public safety. In that environment, Kevin distinguished himself as a leader of exceptional work ethic and uncommon operational integrity. The narcotics mission is one of the most complex and high-risk functions in modern law enforcement, requiring coordination across agencies, careful stewardship of confidential informants, and the ability to lead personnel through sustained operational stress. Kevin consistently met those demands with professionalism, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering focus on outcomes that protected both our officers and our community.

Equally important is Kevin’s rare ability to motivate and influence people. He does not lead through position alone; he leads through credibility, example, and trust. Whether working with veteran investigators or newly assigned officers, he has an instinctive capacity to draw out the best in those around him. It was truly incredible to watch.

Kevin is also a genuine inspiration to younger officers. He embodies what professional policing should look like nationwide, not just here in San Juan County. The ability to have competence without arrogance, authority without detachment, and ambition anchored in service rather than self-promotion is increasingly rare in today's day and age. He invests in people, mentors emerging leaders, and models the ethical standards that sustain public trust. Those traits are precisely what the next generation of law enforcement professionals needs as they assume greater responsibility in a complex and rapidly evolving policing environment.

Above all, Kevin Burns is deeply and authentically committed to the safety and well-being of every resident of San Juan County. His career reflects a consistent dedication to protecting victims, disrupting criminal organizations, and ensuring that law enforcement remains a force for stability and justice in the community.

Kevin is a professional committed to public safety and joint cooperation with all area law enforcement partners. In my time with the Farmington Police Department, I worked with Kevin to solve a myriad of complex and volatile issues. He was good to work with and advocated for his agency and respected our position as we worked towards compromise. Kevin was there for us during the Dustin shooting and we will never forget that. 

I STRONGLY endorse Kevin Burns for Sheriff of San Juan County in 2026

I’ve had the privilege of working with Kevin Burns for 19 years, and during that time I’ve seen firsthand the experience, leadership, and professionalism he brings to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office every day. Kevin has built a strong career in investigations, handling and

overseeing some of the most serious cases any agency faces and has consistently shown the judgment and skill needed to lead investigators and ensure those cases are handled the right way.

Today, Kevin serves as the Captain over our Investigations Division and the Professional Staff. He leads these teams responsible for investigating serious crimes, supporting victims, and working with prosecutors to hold offenders accountable. These are real challenges facing our community, and Kevin is addressing them every single day.

At this time when steady leadership matters most, Kevin stands out. Kevin is the only candidate who continues to serve on the front lines of leadership within the Sheriff’s Office. He has weathered the storms of Covid and police reform. He understands the current issues, the needs of the agency, and the expectations of the community we serve.

After nearly two decades working alongside him, I can say with confidence that Kevin Burns has the experience, integrity, and leadership our community needs in its next Sheriff. I’m proud to

support Kevin Burns for San Juan County Sheriff.

 Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen has dedicated his career to protecting the citizens of Missoula County. Raised on a ranch in Frenchtown, he learned the value of hard work early in life. Sheriff Petersen joined the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office in 2002 and served more than 15 years in patrol, holding roles including search and rescue coordinator, field training officer, corporal, and sergeant. He later served in the Detective Division as commander of the Missoula Drug Task Force before being promoted to captain overseeing operations at the Missoula County Detention Facility.

With decades of service and a strong commitment to community safety, Jeremiah was elected Sheriff of Missoula County in 2022. He continues to lead with integrity and dedication while serving the residents of Missoula County alongside his wife and three children.

I met Kevin through the Western States Sheriff’s Association and as a result of our time spent together and conversations I have developed an understanding of him. He is committed to the wellbeing of his certified staff and feels a deep connection to the men and women of his agency. His years of service in each of his positions and rank have been focused on criminal accountability and protecting the victims of violence. He understands the needs of the deputies and is adamant about protecting the public in his capacity as a professional law enforcement officer. 

A County Sheriff must be honorable, steady, compassionate, able to inspire the best in others while being fiercely pragmatic. Kevin Burns has that in spades. Under his leadership the office will be healthy and  respected.  Kevin is committed to serving San Juan County and those experiencing their worst moments, while ensuring public safety. Through his many years of service he has a proven track record.  The citizens of San Juan County are so fortunate to have Kevin’s  integrity and thoughtful professionalism safeguarding the lives and property of San Juan County.

While leading the New Mexico Justice Reinvestment Working Group for the Crime and Justice Institute, I had the opportunity to work closely with Captain Kevin Burns. His leadership brought invaluable frontline insight into our statewide public safety work and helped ensure that our analysis reflected the realities law enforcement officers face every day.

Kevin is a thoughtful leader who understands how to use data, experience, and strong partnerships to keep communities safe and make smart decisions about public safety resources.

It is with both personal pride and professional confidence that I officially endorse Captain Kevin Burns for Sheriff of San Juan County. Having worked with Kevin for several years on some of the most sensitive and complex issues facing New Mexico, I have seen firsthand that he is a leader characterized by a mix of grit, strategic vision, and genuine compassion, especially for those most vulnerable to crime.

I first collaborated with Kevin during the Navajo Gold Operation in 2020, a pivotalmoment for our community. As co-chair of the NM Human Trafficking Task Force and an advocate for human trafficking victims, my primary concern was the safety of individuals lured to our area with false promises of fair labor, only to find themselves trapped in abusive living and working conditions. In high-pressure situations like these, law enforcement can often overlook the human element by focusing solely on criminal statistics. Kevin, serving as an Incident Commander, ensured these vulnerable individuals received the dignity and respect they deserved. He played a crucial role in recognizing that many of those involved were victims

of a sophisticated trafficking network. His ability to lead a victim-centered response while successfully prosecuting the actual perpetrators set a standard for justice. 

Kevin is a proven and essential partner at the state level with the New Mexico Human Trafficking Task Force. He consistently applies his field expertise to influence policy. He has spoken to the task force multiple times, emphasizing the evolving illegal practices targeting vulnerable individuals.

Kevin and I delivered vital training to the Cannabis Control Division staff, showing them how to identify and report signs of human trafficking during routine inspections. By connecting regulatory oversight with humanitarian protections, Kevin has helped establish a safety net for workers in one of our state’s newest and most complex industries.

Throughout his 19-year career at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, from patrol duties to leading the HIDTA Region II Narcotics Task Force, Kevin has demonstrated that protecting what matters requires a heart for the community. Whether chairing the Justice Reinvestment Working Group to address the root causes of crime or implementing data-driven tools to support victims of domestic violence, his focus is on improving San Juan County.

Kevin Burns is a leader who understands that true public safety depends on community teamwork. We will rely on his leadership to face future challenges. I look forward to his innovative leadership as San Juan County’s next Sheriff.

I have been thinking about this Sheriff’s election for a few years. When I first started

considering the next Sheriff, I came up with some criteria that a candidate needed in order to

get my support. If nobody with these characteristics stepped forward, I would have considered

running myself, but somebody stepped forward. Here are those criteria:

1. The next Sheriff needs to be a current member of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

There is a special culture at the SO that is unique among all of the local agencies. It is a

culture of mutual support from the top to the bottom, from the Sheriff to the newest

cadet in the police academy. It is a culture of striving for professional excellence. It is a

culture of knowing who you work with, the names of their children, when they are

excelling and when they are struggling. It is a culture that needs to be preserved by

somebody who has been here in the last 8 years and already knows the fantastic people

at the Sheriff’s Office. There is only one candidate that checks this box.

2. The next Sheriff needs to be present. He needs to be in the office, in the building. He

needs to lead.

3. The next Sheriff needs to be somebody who is in it for the right reasons. He needs to be

committed to serving the citizens of San Juan County. He needs to be committed to

serving the needs of the Sheriff’s Office, its deputies, as well as its civilian staff. He

needs to have a love for the people, not a love for a title.

Kevin Burns meets all of my criteria. I have worked shoulder to shoulder with him for the last

17 years. Most importantly, the last 8 years, which have had unprecedented impact on Law

Enforcement. He has experienced the negative wave toward Law Enforcement following the

George Floyd incident. He has experienced the challenges that Covid 19 brought to Law

Enforcement. He has experienced the difficulties of recruiting, following the negative press

from incidents in other jurisdictions. He has experienced the effort to defund the police. Kevin

Burns has been through the fires, and he has been a key player in finding solutions to the

problems the Sheriff’s Office has faced.

It is an honor for me to endorse Kevin Burns for the position of Sheriff of San Juan County.

 As a current Lieutenant with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and a lifelong resident of San Juan County, I fully support Kevin Burns as the next Sheriff of San Juan County.

I have known Kevin for the past 19 years, since we both began our careers with the Sheriff’s Office. Since then, I have witnessed firsthand his professional growth, not only in law enforcement, but also in his leadership abilities. From the very beginning, Kevin has demonstrated strong leadership and has consistently given his all while helping others excel. His work ethic and commitment to excellence are not driven by personal accolades, but by a genuine dedication to and respect for the community we serve.

Kevin’s forward-thinking approach to policing makes him uniquely qualified to lead our Sheriff’s Office. Beginning in 2011, New Mexico emphasized the importance of law enforcement officers being able to interact effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness and other crises. Kevin served as an instructor in this area, teaching countless officers in San Juan County tools to improve their communication skills. His ability to collaborate effectively with criminal justice partners throughout San Juan County is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to public service.

Over the past six years, law enforcement has had to adapt to significant changes in how we operate, and Kevin has been actively engaged in ensuring those changes are implemented effectively. While there is certainly value in the way things were done in the past, it is important that we continue to adapt and move forward to meet today’s challenges. Law enforcement in San Juan County must continue to evolve, and I believe that, with Kevin Burns as Sheriff, the Sheriff’s Office will continue moving forward.

 I am writing to offer my full endorsement of Kevin Burns. I have had the privilege of knowing Kevin for the past six years, and during that time I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to public service and his community. 

Kevin has risen through every rank within the San Juan County Sheriff's Department, a testament to both his dedication and his capability. His experience is not just extensive it is practical and proven. Even now, he continues to handle many of the day-to-day operations, demonstrating both his deep knowledge of the job and his willingness to lead from the front without any break in service when he becomes Sheriff. 

What truly sets Kevin apart is his character. He is an honest and principled individual who holds himself to the highest standards. His leadership is rooted in accountability and transparency, and he consistently works to build trust within the community he serves. Kevin is community-oriented in every sense of the word, always focused on creating a safer environment for all. 

Throughout his career, Kevin has proven himself to be beyond reproach in the execution of his duties. He leads with integrity, treats others with respect, and makes decisions that reflect both sound judgment and genuine concern for the well-being of others. 

I strongly and confidently recommend Kevin Burns. He is a proven leader, a dedicated public servant, and someone who will continue to serve his community with honor and distinction. Please remember to vote on June 2nd, 2026, for Kevin Burns for Sheriff.  

 I am proud to offer my full endorsement of Kevin Burns in his campaign for Sheriff.

Over the course of my more than 30 years in law enforcement—including my service as a retired Deputy Chief with the New Mexico State Police and now as Chief of Police at Sandia Pueblo—I have had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated professionals. Kevin Burns stands out among them.

Kevin is dependable, knowledgeable, and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. He is the kind of leader who shows up, puts in the work, and leads by example. His willingness to assist and collaborate with other agencies reflects not only his professionalism but also his commitment to public safety beyond jurisdictional lines.

What truly sets Kevin apart is his selfless approach to the job. His service on the MMIP Task Force highlights his dedication to addressing critical and sensitive issues impacting our communities. He understands the importance of building trust, pursuing justice, and advocating for those who need it most.

Kevin Burns has the experience, integrity, and heart to serve as Sheriff. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead, protect, and serve with honor.

 It is with great confidence that I submit this endorsement for Kevin Burns for Sheriff of San Juan County.

I had the opportunity to work with Kevin early in my career when I was stationed in the Farmington area. He was a dependable partner on the street, and I could always count on him when our agencies needed to work together. Whether responding to traffic crashes or collaborating on overlapping investigations, Kevin and his deputies consistently showed up ready to assist and support shared public safety efforts.

As our careers progressed, our paths continued to cross. During my time with the New Mexico State Police and Kevin’s tenure as Director of the Region II Narcotics Task Force, we worked closely together at the state level to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Kevin consistently represented the Four Corners region with professionalism, particularly in reporting, coordination, and information sharing.

In later years, we collaborated on statewide initiatives, including intelligence-led policing efforts. Kevin and the current sheriff recognized the value of shared data systems early on and took steps to implement collaborative approaches to criminal investigations. He understands the importance of forward-thinking leadership and has been an advocate for public safety at the state level, including work connected to the Justice Reinvestment Working Group.

Throughout my career, I knew I could rely on Kevin and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office to stand alongside us in the effort to combat crime across New Mexico. He is a proven leader who understands both local and statewide challenges.

I am confident that Kevin Burns is the best candidate for Sheriff of San Juan County based on his experience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety.