The Pierce County Journal appreciates the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities. We also want to help you get to know the men and women behind the badge in all Pierce County law enforcement agencies. Every few weeks, we will feature an officer and ask them a fun set of questions. When you see them on the street, make sure to say hi!

Meet Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda:

1. How long have you worked for Pierce County?I have worked for Pierce County for 20 years
2. What is your title, job duties?Currently, I represent all citizens of Pierce County in the elected roll of Sheriff. Duties of the Sheriff can be very complex. The duties of the Sheriff and their origins pre-date Magna Carta and are outlined in the Constitution and WI Chapter 59.27.
3. Why did you become a sheriff’s deputy?I love people. I love where they are from and what makes them unique. I also wanted to be part of something that was bigger than myself and to give back for the many blessings I’ve received. Law enforcement was a path to give back and to have and meet people from all different backgrounds.
4. What are your favorite sports teams to root for?I like Minnesota sports teams. All of them. Followed by Penn State football and anything UWRF. My former roommate and teammate at the University of Wisconsin River Falls is currently the offensive coordinator for the University of Penn State. I do have a unique respect for the Brewers and Packers.
5. What is your favorite food?Prime rib, ice cream and Tim Tam cookies.
6. Where is the coolest place you've traveled? Recently I was in South Dakota and it had a profound effect on me. Knowing the history of the region and how it was shaped is important to every American. To have a monument built in the 1920’s to early leaders is awe inspiring. Builders hung from ropes with a hammer, chisel and a stick of dynamite. KaBoom. What was really inspiring and should never be forgotten is the struggles and triumphs of that era. The monument to Crazy Horse really got me thinking of the past and how we need to study history and learn from it so we don’t make the same mistakes.
7. Who is your hero and why? My heroes are the moms and dads struggling to get by and support their families. The ones who realize the most important job they have is raising their children, often at a cost to their own wishes and wants. I see heroes everyday doing things for their communities that never get recognized or correctly compensated.

Teachers, store clerks, corrections officers and highway workers to name a few, working every day to make this world continue to operate. Those are my heroes. Not multimillion-dollar athletes, singers, rappers or actors. That person with a smile and a strong hello even when their day has been terrible, that’s a hero to me.

8. What was your favorite subject in school? Geography, History and Recess.
9. What's your favorite place in Pierce County?All of Pierce County has so much to offer and I really think it’s amazing how the topography can change from the North to the South and the East to the West. I’d say a drive on a crisp October day or watching a local football game on a Friday night would be my favorite.
10. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I would love to have the ability to read people’s minds. Up until I read what they truly think of me…. In a realistic sense I would like to be a great listener. A person who can truly listen to another with empathy and respect.