PORT ORCHARD – Following a selection process that began 45 days ago, Sheriff Gary Simpson announced the selection of a final candidate when he named Chief of Division John J. Gese as undersheriff of Kitsap County.

The sheriff made the announcement July 31.

The position of undersheriff is considered to be part second-in-command, part chief of staff and part chief financial officer.

The undersheriff partners with the sheriff to develop the short and long-term goals of the sheriff’s office and then develops and implements strategies to achieve these goals. The position frequently requires the undersheriff to liaise with county departments and other municipal and state law enforcement agencies.

The undersheriff also oversees the creation and administration of the sheriff’s office budget.

Prior to this promotion, Gese commanded the sheriff’s patrol division since being appointed to that position by retired sheriff Steve Boyer in July, 2014.

Gese began his law enforcement career in 1991, following eight years working in the public sector as an insurance underwriter. He has served in a variety of increasingly responsible leadership positions including: patrol deputy, field training officer, traffic investigator, shift sergeant, civil administrative sergeant, professional standards officer, patrol lieutenant and support services lieutenant.

Gese earned a bachelor of arts degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham. He sits as a member for the board of directors for the Kitsap Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is a 2004 graduate of Leadership Kitsap and now serves on its board of directors.

Gese is married to officer Laura Gese of the sheriff’s corrections division. They have one son.