Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Sheriff Kent Wilkening to the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board).

Wilkening, of Worthington, is the sheriff of Nobles County. He was first elected to the position in 1998, was a deputy Nobles County sheriff from 1987 through 1998, chief of police for the city of Cottonwood from 1985 to 1987 and a patrolman for the city of Appleton from 1983 to 1985. Wilkening replaces Sheriff Jim Connolly as a representative of county sheriffs on the POST Board to complete a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007.

The Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training establishes minimum qualifications and standards of conduct and regulates professional peace officer education and continuing education programs. The board consists of 15 members, including 14 appointed by the Governor.