To the editor,

The Aug. 11 primary is fast approaching, and I am writing this letter in support of Chad Koranda to continue to be our Sheriff of Pierce County.

As Sheriff, he has worked tirelessly to solidify relationships with county stakeholders, strengthen relationships with elected officials, law enforcement leaders in Pierce County, school district leadership, local organizations, and other Sheriffs in West Central Wisconsin.

He promoted new command staff to include a Chief Deputy and Patrol Lieutenant, as well as hiring new, well-educated and well-trained deputies, which has helped move the Sheriff’s Office forward in a positive direction.

Sheriff Koranda collaborated with the Pierce County Board to continue to update and maintain modern equipment, while being mindful of local government budget challenges. He has worked and invested in the backbone of Pierce County public safety and that is the Sheriff personnel. He has brought in new equipment, additional training, lobbied to get better benefits for his staff, and has implemented new wellness initiatives which will help with long-term well-being of the Sheriff’s Office employees.

Recruitment and retention of law enforcement staff have been a national challenge for several years, and Pierce County has been no exception. Sheriff Koranda works tirelessly to address this issue. In addition to implementing different recruiting ideas, he has stepped in to help when needed in the jail, working nights and weekends on occasion to allow staff time off during peak times. He continues to face challenges head on, and because of this, the Sheriff’s Office has weathered this storm better than many agencies. He responds to the needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

I had the privilege of working in law enforcement for 35 years, working locally in Ellsworth, and the last 29 years in Columbia Heights, Minn., with my last seven years as the Police Chief. This profession needs strong, experienced leadership now more than ever. Because of this the choice is clear. Vote Chad Koranda for Sheriff on Aug. 11. He is the right person at the right time to lead the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office into the future.

Lenny Austin

River Falls