5 Key Facts About The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office: Terry Wagner’s Legacy And The Upcoming Transition To Chief Deputy Houchin
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), a cornerstone of law enforcement in Nebraska’s second-most populous county, is currently navigating a period of significant transition and active operations. As of December 22, 2025, the office, headquartered in Lincoln, remains focused on its dual mission of enforcing laws in rural Lancaster County and managing the county’s detention facilities, while simultaneously preparing for a historic leadership change after decades of stability.
The biggest news dominating the LCSO today is the impending retirement of its longest-serving leader, Sheriff Terry Wagner, who has recently endorsed his Chief Deputy to succeed him. This shift marks the end of an era for the agency, which is also actively involved in a major, recent officer-involved shooting investigation, demonstrating its continuous role in maintaining public safety and collaborating with the Lincoln Police Department (LPD).
Sheriff Terry Wagner: A Biography of Lancaster County’s Longest-Serving Lawman
Sheriff Terry Wagner is not just the current head of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office; he is a historic figure in Nebraska law enforcement. His career with the LCSO spans nearly five decades, marking him as the longest-serving Sheriff in the county’s over 150-year history.
- Start of Career: Wagner began his journey with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office in 1976 at the age of 22, initially serving as a dispatcher.
- Election and Tenure: He was first elected Sheriff in November 1994. His leadership was consistently affirmed by the public, as he was re-elected unopposed in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. He won his final re-election in 2022, starting his 28th year in the role.
- End of Term: Sheriff Wagner’s current term is set to conclude on January 7, 2027. He recently announced he would not seek a ninth term, stating that the job is "not an old man's game," and has publicly endorsed his successor.
- Key Recognition: His distinguished service was formally recognized with his induction into the prestigious Nebraska Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.
- Administrative Role: As Sheriff, he is the administrator of the Lancaster County Jail and holds legal responsibility for all law enforcement activities in the rural areas of the county.
The Upcoming Leadership Transition: Chief Deputy Ben Houchin
The announcement of Sheriff Wagner’s retirement has immediately shifted the focus to the 2026 election cycle and the future of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. In a significant move, Sheriff Wagner has publicly endorsed his Chief Deputy, Ben Houchin, to become the next Sheriff, setting the stage for a change in command that maintains continuity of experience.
Chief Deputy Ben Houchin is a veteran of the LCSO, having begun his career with the agency on June 6, 1993. His long tenure and experience within the department have positioned him as the natural successor. Houchin is an alumnus of Nebraska Wesleyan University, providing him with a strong educational foundation to complement his decades of on-the-job expertise.
Houchin’s campaign for Sheriff has garnered significant attention, backed by the strong endorsement from the retiring Sheriff. The election will determine who will lead the agency into its next chapter, taking over the responsibility for the county’s patrol, investigations, and detention services from January 2027 onward. The transition highlights the importance of institutional knowledge and proven leadership in Nebraska’s law enforcement community.
Recent Operations and High-Profile Investigations (November 2025)
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office remains highly active in its core mission of public safety, often working in conjunction with the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) on major cases. A key recent event demonstrates this collaborative effort: an officer-involved shooting investigation on November 5, 2025.
This incident occurred in North Lincoln and involved members of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force. The task force was executing an operation to locate an individual wanted in connection with a serious drug and gun case. During the confrontation, a suspect was injured, leading to a formal investigation into the use of force.
The investigation into the shooting is being jointly handled by the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and the Lincoln Police Department, a standard protocol for ensuring transparency and thoroughness in such critical incidents. The LSO maintains a commitment to public information, with media releases and contact information, such as Kelsey M. Cruz, provided for updates on the case.
The Comprehensive Structure of the LCSO’s Law Enforcement Divisions
The effective operation of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office relies on a robust organizational structure divided into several specialized divisions, each with a distinct focus. These divisions ensure comprehensive coverage across all facets of law enforcement and community service in Lancaster County.
- Patrol Division: This is the most visible arm of the LCSO, responsible for maintaining peace and enforcing laws, primarily in the rural areas outside of Lincoln, including traffic enforcement and initial incident response.
- Criminal Investigations Division: Tasked with major case investigations, this division handles complex crimes such as homicide, robbery, burglary, and financial crimes, requiring specialized detective work and forensic analysis.
- Court Services Division: This unit manages security within the Lancaster County Courthouse, serving as a critical link between the Sheriff's Office and the judicial branch.
- Support Services Division: A vital administrative unit, Support Services manages essential functions, including records management, warrant processing, civil process service, and the crucial task of handling handgun purchase permits and sex offender registration.
- Professional Standards Division: This division oversees internal affairs, training, and accreditation, ensuring that all deputies and staff adhere to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.
- Tactical Response Unit (TRU): A specially trained unit established in the late 1970s to address the rise in violent crime, the TRU is deployed in high-risk situations, such as hostage negotiations and barricaded subjects.
LCSO’s Focus on Community Outreach and Public Safety Initiatives
Beyond its core law enforcement duties, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office places a strong emphasis on community engagement and proactive safety campaigns. These initiatives are designed to build trust, educate the public, and reduce crime through prevention.
One notable initiative is the "Make It Click" mobilization, a nationwide campaign that the LCSO actively participates in to promote awareness and increase the use of seat belts and child restraint systems throughout the county. This program underscores the agency's commitment to traffic safety and accident prevention.
The LCSO also coordinates several community-focused programs aimed at supporting families and youth, including the "Shop with a Cop" program, which provides assistance to children in need of school clothes and supplies, and the "Deputy Santa" program during the holiday season. These efforts demonstrate the office’s dedication to serving the community not just as law enforcers, but as partners in public welfare.
As Sheriff Wagner’s tenure draws to a close and Chief Deputy Houchin prepares to potentially take the helm, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office continues its long tradition of dedicated service to the citizens of Lancaster County and the greater Lincoln metropolitan area, focusing on both high-level investigations and grassroots community safety.
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