(KMZA)--Nemaha County Republicans have selected Josh Winkler of rural Centralia to replace Sheriff Rich Vernon, who is retiring November first after 20 years in the position.

The Nemaha County Republican Central Committee met Tuesday evening, with 28 precinct committee members present. Chairman Ray Shinn says Winkler was selected by a majority of members from among three nominees. His name will be forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

Winkler will serve a term expiring in January 2029. The position will be up for election in November 2028.

The other nominees were current Undersheriff Robert Cross and Darron Wessel, a sergeant and K-9 officer with the Sheriff's Office.

Shinn says the county was fortunate to have three outstanding candidates with years of experience interested in filling the position.

Winkler brings 17 years of law enforcement experience. He has served as a special agent with the Kansas Attorney General's Livestock Investigation Unit since September 2021. He also currently works part-time as a Nemaha County deputy and previously served as an investigator with the Sheriff's Office.

Winkler and his wife, Rosanna, have four children and live on a small farm southeast of Centralia.

In a statement, Winkler says he is eager to bring his extensive experience, leadership and deep connection to the community back to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office full-time.