Posted on February 7, 2020

GREEN BAY – The Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association presented Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Rep. Mark Born (R- Beaver Dam) with the organization’s first-ever legislative awards. WS&DSA is a statewide organization representing over 1,000 members, including Sheriffs, Deputies, and jail officers. The WS&DSA legislative awards provide an opportunity to recognize legislators who demonstrated leadership on issues impacting law enforcement and public safety.

As a former corrections supervisor at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, Rep. Born applies his experience and knowledge on law enforcement issues in the Capitol. He reaches out and utilizes the feedback of his local Sheriffs, deputies and jailers on issues of interest of WS&DSA. Specifically, in the 2019-20 legislative session, he authored legislation clarifying the use of the private transport for emergency detention and continues to be a pro-active leader on the important topic. In addition, despite continued barriers, he remains committed to addressing the issue of protective status of jailers and has worked tirelessly on the issue for years.

Also, a former law enforcement officer, Sen. Wanggaard currently chairs the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. As chair, he acts as a leader and convener of issues impacting law enforcement. After years of dedication and work, in the 2019-20 session he authored legislation, which was signed into law as 2019 Wisconsin Act 19, to provide health insurance benefits to the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. His continued perseverance on this issue is just one example of his commitment and understanding of the law enforcement profession.

Captain Jeff Klatt