Benton E. (Ben) Wolfinger

A candidate for Sheriff, Kootenai County in the 2012 Idaho Primary

Party: Republican

Age: 62

City: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Occupation: Sheriff, Kootenai County

Education background: Earned associate of science degree in law enforcement from North Idaho College, and advanced and management certificates from the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy.

Political background: Elected sheriff in 2012. Served as Coeur d’Alene City Councilman from December 2000 to January 2006. Served on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Commission for about 15 years.

Work experience: Wolfinger was hired as a deputy in 1983, at age 21, and has worked in or managed all aspects of the sheriff’s department since then. He has worked as a North Idaho College Law Enforcement Program Instructor and is past chairman of the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

Family: Married. Has two sons.