WALLACE — The Shoshone County Fraternal Order of Police has formally endorsed Shawn Wehr in the upcoming primary election for Shoshone County sheriff.

In a letter announcing the endorsement, the FOP said it met with all three candidates before deciding Wehr was the best choice for the position.

“We believe that Shawn Wehr possesses the vision, experience, and moral character necessary to stabilize the Sheriff’s Office and lead with honor and effectiveness,” the letter read. “The members of our lodge are confident that under his ego-free leadership, the improvement of the office and the well-being of our community will remain top priority.”

Wehr is the incumbent in the race, having been appointed last month to the position following the resignation of William Eddy. Prior to his appointment, Wehr served as the county courthouse security officer and recently retired after 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department.

The FOP said Wehr’s vision for the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office would help restore stability to a department that has faced criticism while moving it away from perceptions of favoritism.

“As a new face to Shoshone County law enforcement, Shawn Wehr is free of commitments to the local ‘good old boy’ system, while bringing connections to vast external resources to benefit the Sheriff’s Office and Shoshone County as a whole,” the letter stated.

Wehr said he was honored to receive the endorsement and does not take the support of fellow law enforcement officers lightly.

“To have the support of those who serve in law enforcement means a great deal to me,” Wehr said. “It reflects a shared commitment to professionalism, integrity, and doing what is right for the deputies, police officers and the community we serve. I’m grateful for their trust and support, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them to strengthen our Sheriff’s Office and provide the level of service Shoshone County deserves.”

Chris Rice, one of Wehr’s opponents in the race, said he was not surprised by the FOP’s decision but raised concerns about aspects of Wehr’s campaign messaging.

“I understand why the FOP would have endorsed Shawn Wehr,” Rice said. “He has a very impressive resume from almost 30 years served at the LAPD in California and was appointed by the BOCC as their interim Sheriff. I believe law enforcement in this county is tired of leadership changes every three months. I just hope they have researched the ideology of what a ‘Constitutional’ Sheriff is.”

John Richter, the third candidate in the race, declined to comment.