The Mower County Sheriff’s Department is back to its full complement of 22 deputies after Evan Sorenson was sworn in Tuesday morning at the Law Enforcement Center.

Sorenson, the son of retired deputy Sgt. Donald B. Sorenson, was joined by his girlfriend Nicole Wermager and mom Louise Sorenson, as Sheriff Terese Amazi swore him in.

Sorenson had been interested in law enforcement since high school and went to North Dakota State University for criminal justice, followed by some time at Alexandria Technical College for law enforcement skills. He graduated in August of 2008.

Since then he has worked as a counselor at the Gerard Academy in Austin. Sorenson applied for a position with the sheriff’s department late last year.

“It’s nice to stay here,” Sorenson said. “I’ve always enjoyed the Austin area.”

“I’m very proud of his accomplishment,” Louise Sorenson said. “He’s worked hard, and I’m thrilled that he’s in the field he has been training for.”

Sorenson also described his pride at working in the same department as his dad, who was a deputy for 30 years before retiring in 2002.

“It’s a pretty weird feeling, but it’s an honor,” he said. “To be able to work with some of the same people, it’s going to be a neat experience. I’m proud to be working here.”

Sorenson will be filling the spot left vacant by deputy Dan Johnson, who left for Olmsted County in November.

According to Sheriff Amazi, Sorenson will enter a field training officer period at the end of which he will most likely become the contracted deputy to the LeRoy area.