UPDATE: Napa, St. Helena Calistoga Police Unions Join Deputy Sheriff's to Issue Kensok Endorsements

UPDATE: Friday, Jan. 10, 2014

Both the Napa Police Officer's Association, St. Helena Police Officers Foundation and the Calistoga Police Officer's Association have each followed yesterday's Napa Deputy Sheriff's Association announcement by issuing their own endorsements of Tom Kensok for Napa County District Attorney.

Each of those endorsement letters carry similar sentiments as those expressed by the Deputy Sheriffs.

PREVIOUSLY: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014

The Napa Deputy Sheriff's Association today said they are throwing their support in the June primary elections to Thomas Kensok, one of two challengers to incumbent Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein.

Lieberstein is running for re-election to a fifth term.

In his campaign announcement, Lieberstein unveiled a list of more than 85 endorsers that includes key state and local leaders. A complete list of Lieberstein's endorsements can be found athttp://www.garyforda.com/endorsements.

Kensok, a prosecutor in Contra Costa County, announced his candidacy last month.

The other announced challenger is Napa attorney Doug Pharr.

Following is the text of the Kensok endorsement letter sent to Patch:

"It is with great enthusiasm that the Napa Deputy Sheriff’s Association announces its endorsement of Tom Kensok for Napa County District Attorney. 

"The Napa Deputy Sheriff’s Association convened its membership and interviewed all three district attorney candidates.  

"Tom Kensok stands out as the candidate with a proven track record for effective convictions.  

"As the Senior Deputy District Attorney responsible for the Contra Costa Gang Task Force and a prosecutor for over 20 years, Kensok brings demonstrated leadership that includes effective prosecutions, attorney mentorship and development and respect among colleagues and adversaries. 

"The Napa Deputy Sheriff’s Association has chosen to not endorse the incumbent District Attorney because we think Kensok would be significantly better at the job. 

"It is also noteworthy that for the first time the DSA collaborated with all other law enforcement agencies in Napa County to provide a unified endorsement for Tom Kensok for Napa County District Attorney.  

"This has never happened before.  

"This unified effort demonstrates the need for a district attorney who is an effective leader engaged on all levels of prosecutorial efforts.  The key to effective prosecutions and the ultimate safety of our residents depends on the collaboration between the district attorney and law enforcement. 

"During his time as a prosecutor, Kensok has established an outstanding working relationship with law enforcement, and we know he is the leader we need in the courtroom and community.

"We, the Napa Deputy Sheriff’s Association, along with our brothers and sisters of the Napa Police Officers Association, Calistoga Police Officers Association, St. Helena Police Officers Foundation, proudly endorse Tom Kensok for Napa County District Attorney."  

 The letter is signed by board members of the association.