Kevin Klaerner’s roots in law enforcement run deep. His great-great-uncle John Klaerner, great-grandfather Alfred Klaerner, and grandfather Hugo Klaerner each served as Sheriffs of Gillespie County. “Continuing that family tradition is something I take great pride in,” he said. “It drives me every day to uphold the values they lived by.”
Now a Kendall County Sheriff’s Lieutenant, Klaerner has carved his own path. “Law enforcement today requires new tools, new approaches, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve,” he said. “I’ve worked hard to build a career that honors their example while adapting to the evolving challenges.”
For Klaerner, the work is personal. “This isn’t just where I work, it’s home,” he said. “This is where I’m raising my family, where my kids go to school, and where we’re building our lives.” His son Logan, who has special needs, has been embraced by the community. “That only deepens my commitment to give back and protect it with everything I have.”
Klaerner’s approach to leadership was shaped early in his career by a sergeant who told him, “If you’re not a part of the solution, you must be a part of the problem.” That line stuck with him. “It made me realize that it’s not enough to just show up and do the job,” he said. “You have to be actively engaged in making things better.” Whether it’s stepping up for a coworker, improving communication, or taking on difficult tasks, Klaerner says that mindset still drives how he leads.
He first encountered Hope for Heroes Texas when founder Brad Cornell was still developing the idea. “From that very first conversation, I knew he was onto something big,” Klaerner said. “It wasn’t just about the programs. It was about the greeting, the way they welcomed and treated every hero and their family.” Even the monthly luncheons make a lasting impact. “These gatherings are more than just meals. They provide us with a vital opportunity to break bread together, share experiences, and build camaraderie,” he said.
As Kendall County grows, Klaerner sees the sheriff’s role as one that must adapt while remaining grounded in core values. “The sheriff is now not only a law enforcement leader, but also a communicator, strategist, and public servant,” he said. “In Kendall County, that balance between honoring our heritage and preparing for the future is critical.”
Brad Cornell put it simply: “Kevin is the kind of leader that shows up early, stays late, and brings the calm presence his people need in every situation. He’s the one you want on the other end of the radio when everything goes wrong. His faith, his humility, and his willingness to serve set the tone for his entire department.”
In a profession where presence matters, Kevin Klaerner leads with quiet strength and unwavering purpose.
From the Hope for Heroes series: For another officer carrying a long family tradition of service, read about Sheriff Al Auxier, who has led the department for nearly four decades. For a fellow officer whose path came through another arm of Texas public service, read about Officer David Chavez.
