To the editor,

To the readers of the Pierce County Journal, and the Citizens of Pierce County,

Leaders must always be willing to hold themselves accountable, and take responsibility first.

We live in a world today, and especially in politics, when leaders want to point to themselves when their team does well. However, when things go south, the finger quickly points outward.

I’ve heard it said, “Be careful when you point the finger, because there are at least three more pointing back at you.”

I want to take this opportunity to point the finger at myself. A couple of weeks ago, an article came out regarding my campaign, my background, personal beliefs, and experience. While the majority of that article was in direct response to answering questions, there was a missed opportunity (on my part) to highlight the amazing people and things being done in the law enforcement community in Pierce County. I work with a group of people, and without their dedication and selflessness, our county would be in a difficult state. There are men and women that work countless days on end, without a day off, missing valuable time with family, and at detriments to their own physical and mental health, and all for the sake of the safety of others.

In January 2026, I submitted an essay to the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, and nominated the PCSO Patrol & Investigations Division for a Team Award. If it had not been for a few selfless Deputies and Investigators, the Patrol Division and Dispatch would have been on a long string of forced overtime shifts. I also want to make sure and highlight another dedicated group, and that is the Deputies that staff the Jail. They also work a tremendous amount of overtime to keep things functioning.

I have been part of shifts, and alongside other local agencies, that have witnessed a lot of tragedy lately. However, one of those included life saving measures. These do not happen without the combined efforts of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and EMS.

Please accept my sincerest apologies for any oversight in recognizing the amazing work of EVERY FIRST RESPONDER here in Pierce County.

Sincerely,

Mike McFadden

Pierce County Sheriff candidate