McKenzie County Farmer - Sports

Travis Bateman
Farmer Staff Writer

McKenzie County Sheriff candidate John Hance says leadership, communication, deputy morale, and transparency are among the biggest issues facing the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office as he campaigns to become the county’s next top law enforcement official.

Hance, currently a patrol sergeant with the Watford City Police Department and a former McKenzie County Sheriff’s deputy, is seeking election on a platform centered around organizational reform, constitutional protections, improved relationships with emergency responders, and stronger internal support systems for deputies and staff.

The longtime law enforcement officer brings more than 30 years of combined experience in military service, corrections, private security, and law enforcement. His background includes 16 years in corrections and five years in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1993, where he served as a medic and medical specialist.

“I’ve always felt a calling to serve and protect,” Hance said. “I knew as a young man that I was built to help others and have the mindset and ability to process and make difficult decisions when it matters most.”
North Dakota Move Became “Forever Home”
Hance said his family moved to North Dakota seeking opportunity and the values associated with rural communities.

“Opportunity and the small-town atmosphere, with solid Godly principles that aligned with our family values got us here,” he said. “It is now our forever home.”

Hance has served approximately six years and eight months in North Dakota law enforcement, including nearly six years with the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Watford City Police Department, where he now supervises patrol operations as a sergeant.

He said his move to the city police department was partially motivated by an opportunity to move into leadership, but also to avoid complications while preparing a run for sheriff.

“The Police Department gave me an opportunity to promote and serve in a leadership role in a local agency,” Hance said. “Also, I planned to run for sheriff and wanted to lessen any potential conflicts between myself and the other staff at the SO.”

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