John Zerga announces today that he is running for Sheriff of Fremont County in the 2026 election, bringing more than two decades of local law enforcement experience, deep Fremont County roots, and a steady commitment to service, accountability, and community trust.
“I have lived in Fremont County for most of my 57 years,” Zerga said. “I was born at Bishop Randall Hospital in Lander, graduated from Lander Valley High School, and this county has always been home. I know these communities, I know the people, and I understand the responsibility that comes with serving them.”
Zerga graduated from the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in 1999 and began his career as a seasonal park ranger at Boysen State Park. Later that year, he served as a detention officer in Natrona County before returning home to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy in Dubois. It was during his time in Dubois that he met his wife and developed a lasting appreciation for the close-knit community and mountain lifestyle that define that area.
After transferring to Riverton so his wife could continue her nursing career at Central Wyoming College, Zerga served on patrol in Lander and was eventually promoted to Detective Sergeant. In that role, he worked numerous felony investigations and devoted extensive effort to high-profile cases.
Zerga later promoted to Patrol Sergeant, where he helped build and lead an effective patrol team serving the entire county. He has served as a Lieutenant for the past seven years, gaining critical leadership, budgeting, and operational experience across all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.
“Advancing through the ranks here has given me a full understanding of what this job requires,” Zerga said. “I’ve worked the road, handled investigations, supervised deputies, and managed operations. That experience matters.”
As Sheriff, Zerga pledges to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of Wyoming, while providing fair, ethical, and professional leadership rooted in accountability and transparency. He emphasizes strong support for deputies and staff, recognizing that every position within the Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in public safety.
Public safety, crime prevention, and victim support will remain top priorities. Zerga is also committed to strengthening and supporting the Communications Center and Detention Center by advocating for appropriate staffing, modern equipment, updated technology, and training that reflects the critical role these divisions play in public safety and officer safety.
“I believe in teamwork,” Zerga said. “No one agency can do this job alone, and strong relationships are essential to keeping Fremont County safe.”
Zerga also commits to maintaining an open-door policy, remaining accessible to residents, and listening to concerns from every corner of the county. He respects all communities within Fremont County and is committed to serving every citizen with fairness, dignity, and respect.
He plans to actively pursue federal grant funding and work closely with the Fremont County Commissioners to secure necessary equipment and training, ensuring deputies have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Zerga added, “I have always had a strong desire to help my community by resolving conflicts with fairness and justice and by protecting and serving those who live here. I feel a deep responsibility to help anyone in need, and I believe that as Fremont County Sheriff, I will be able to lead the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with these same goals, ethics, and morals. I believe this approach is essential to building a Sheriff’s Office that earns the respect of the community, works effectively with other agencies, and becomes a place where people want to work because they share the same values, morals, and ethics. Surrounding the office with supervisors who believe in these core values is key to that success.”
“Through my faith, I’ve asked God to place me where I am needed most,” Zerga said. “I don’t believe in making promises I can’t keep. I believe in honesty, follow-through, and leading by example.”
Zerga concluded, “It would be an honor to continue serving Fremont County as your next Sheriff. I respectfully ask for your support in the 2026 election.”
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