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Meet Ben Kokjer

About Ben

My name is Ben Kokjer, and I’m running to serve as your next Kittitas County Sheriff.


I’ve spent the last 21 years serving Kittitas County through the Sheriff’s Office, working my way from deputy to Chief Deputy. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a wide range of roles, including patrol deputy, firearms instructor, field training officer, boat operator, swift water rescue technician, ice rescue technician, tactical response team member and team leader, Pro-Act deputy with the Major Crimes Unit, corporal, sergeant, and now Chief Deputy. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of both frontline law enforcement and the leadership required to run a professional, effective Sheriff’s Office.


My beliefs about public safety have been shaped by working under two established and respected Sheriffs. From them, I learned that effective law enforcement is built on professionalism, accountability, and trust—trust that must be earned every day through consistent, in-person service and strong relationships with the community.


My Path to Kittitas County


After graduating from high school in Renton, Washington, in 1996, I moved to Ellensburg to attend Central Washington University. I earned my degree in Law and Justice and began serving as a reserve officer with the Ellensburg Police Department from 1999 to 2001. After graduating, I worked at Lake Easton State Park and lived in Easton before being hired by the Langley Police Department on Whidbey Island in 2003.


While I enjoyed serving there, my heart was always in Kittitas County. In 2005, I was honored to be hired by Sheriff Gene Dana, a decision that brought me and my family back home and began my long-term service with the Sheriff’s Office.


Family and Community


My wife, Tonieka, and I have been married for 22 years. We met in high school and began dating during my sophomore year of college. Tonieka has worked for the Ellensburg School District since 2005, and together we’ve raised three children here in Kittitas County. Our kids have kept us busy with sports, school, and family adventures, and raising our family here has only strengthened our commitment to this community.


Giving back has always been important to me. I’m a proud member of the Ellensburg Noon Rotary, where I enjoy serving alongside others to support local scholarships, community events like the Rodeo Kick-Off Breakfast, and international outreach efforts.


I also volunteer with the Kittitas County Fair Board and serve as the Director of Security for the fair. The dedication and teamwork that make the fair happen each year are inspiring, and I’m honored to contribute to keeping this important community tradition safe.


My Commitment as Sheriff


I believe Kittitas County is a great place to live, work, play, and learn—and I want to keep it that way.

As Sheriff, my priorities will be straightforward:

  • Showing up when you need help, with strong rural coverage and in-person response
  • Holding offenders accountable while treating people with dignity and professionalism
  • Preparing the Sheriff’s Office for changing demands while protecting what makes Kittitas County special


Public safety works best when deputies are well-trained, supported, and trusted by the people they serve. I have the experience, background, and commitment to lead the Sheriff’s Office with professionalism and accountability, and I would be honored to earn your trust and your support as your next Kittitas County Sheriff.