Press Release

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Former Texas Ranger, Otto Hanak, Announces His Intention to Run for Sheriff of Washington County

Retired from the State of Texas after 31 years of dedicated and decorated service, the last 15 as a Texas Ranger, Otto Hanak, current Investigator for the Washington and Burleson County District Attorney's Office, has announced his intention to run for Washington County Sheriff.

“I have been in Brenham since 1997 when I was stationed here as a Ranger. I have worked closely with every branch of Law Enforcement as a Texas Ranger, and I continue to do so in my current position as an Investigator for the DA’s office.  I have enjoyed each and every aspect of my career thus far, and feel that it is time for me to apply my vast experiences in this new endeavor.  I have been encouraged many times to take this on, but now seems like the right time to accept the challenge.”

Hanak has had a long and decorated career that began at age 18 when he took a job in the prison system as a guard. He attended Sam Houston State University while working as a prison guard full time.  Hanak was accepted into the DPS academy and became a State Trooper in 1981.  After serving over a decade as a trooper, he set his sights on the prestigious Texas Ranger division of State Law Enforcement.  He tested and was promoted to Ranger in 1994 and was stationed in Palestine and Athens, TX.  When his assignment brought him to Brenham in 1997, Hanak made this his home.  He retired from his service to the State of Texas in 2009 and accepted a position in the DA’s office a few months after his retirement, where he continues to serve the citizens of Brenham and Washington County.

Otto and his wife Vicki live in Brenham with their three sons, Jakob, Cameron and Aden.  Their daughter, Aubrey, also lives in Brenham and is a media buyer at Blue Bell Creameries. Their oldest son Marc lives with his wife and son in Round Rock, TX.

“I am honored to have proudly served the citizens of the State of Texas for over thirty years, approximately 15 of them directly affecting the citizens of this community.  I believe in honor, integrity, perseverance and the protection of citizens. I believe in doing the right thing the right way, and I am a dedicated law man.  Being elected Sheriff of Washington County would be an opportunity for me to continue to serve the good people of Brenham and Washington county.  I believe in the rights of crime victims.  I believe in building relationships with the citizens that I serve, and I believe that the people of this community deserve to have law enforcement agencies that have integrity, good rapport and relationships with those they serve and protect, and that all law enforcement agencies work together for the common good of our county.  I have always been a hard worker and I am a friend and a mentor to officers in many different branches of law enforcement. I enjoy using my experience and wide range of connections and contacts that I have nurtured and built during my career to help others learn how to do the things required.  My experience at the District Attorney's office has given me even greater insight in helping agencies work together, and of how to deal with criminal cases to bring about swift justice for crime victims in our community.  I have personally received thousands of hours of training over my career and believe that quality training and practical knowledge is key to having a prepared, accountable and successful team of officers."

A website is now available for voters to visit that has links to Hanak's extensive resume, qualifications, his platform, as well as a way to contact him, ask questions, and/or give your support to his campaign. You may visit this website at:  www.HanakForSheriff.com

He may also be contacted at 979.203.8834 or PO Box 2504, Brenham, TX. 77834-2504.     

We are now accepting campaign donations which can be made

by check or money order to the "Otto Hanak For Sheriff Campaign" at:

PO Box 2504, Brenham, TX. 77834-2504

Otto Hanak for Washington County Sheriff Campaign 2012 - Treasurer: Vicki Hanak