BIO

Beginning in northern Wisconsin, my career in law enforcement and corrections began in the world of academia. At the University of Wisconsin-Superior, I was a member of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Vice-President of the National Criminal Justice Student Association. In addition to academic pursuits, I worked as a temporary Juvenile Probation Officer for Arrowhead Regional Corrections located in Northern Minnesota.

 

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies and a concentration in Criminal Justice, a passion for the outdoors led me to Wyoming. I began my foray into the world of Wyoming corrections and law enforcement as a Caseworker at the Wyoming State Penitentiary. Eventually I made the transition to correctional officer, broadening my professional horizons and opening several new doors. During my tenure as both a caseworker and correctional officer, I was fortunate enough to be trusted with a multitude of additional responsibilities. These duties included firearms instructor, SORT (Special Operations Response Team) member, PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) investigator, Cell Extraction Team Member, and First Responder.

 

During my time with the Wyoming Department of Corrections I was chosen to attend the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy and become a state-certified firearms instructor. I was also fortunate enough to attend and successfully graduate the Idaho Department of Corrections Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy located in Boise.

 

The next step in my law enforcement/corrections career brought me to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. Starting out as a detention deputy working in the jail, I eventually made the transfer to my current position as a patrol deputy. During my time with the Sheriff’s Office, I have served in a multitude of roles. These roles have included Field Training Officer (Patrol Division,) Firearms Instructor, Less-Lethal Munitions Instructor, Basic Tactical Medical Care Instructor, and Cell Extraction Instructor.

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Ultimately, this experience culminated in being elected Carbon County Sheriff in November of 2022, and taking office in January of 2023.  I have the honor of being the youngest serving sheriff in the great state of Wyoming and have learned so much over the past several years in office. Using the experience our office has gained over our first term, I am seeking reelection in 2026 and would be honored to serve as your sheriff for another term.

 

My goal is to continue utilize my varied experience from corrections, academia, and law enforcement in order to provide the citizens of Carbon County with a Sheriff’s Office they deserve. As an elected position, I still firmly believe the office of Sheriff should answer to the people. Community caretaking, meaningful public interactions, and improved interagency relationships are some of the facets that would be prioritized if chosen to serve as your Sheriff.

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Our office has made leaps and bounds during our first term thanks to the strength of our team and the support of our Carbon County Community. I plan on capitalizing on that momentum and continue moving forward, strengthening partnerships, improving emergency response, and making our county even safer.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Fostering public trust is key to leading a successful law enforcement entity and I aim to continue the transparency you expect and deserve.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Sheriff Alex S. Bakken