By DENNIS A. PEDERSEN
Retired Monroe County Sheriff
As Monroe County voters prepare to vote for a new sheriff on Aug. 12, I respectfully offer the following thoughts on that race.
I have known both candidates, Wes Revels and Scott Perkins, for many years. Both are personal friends and professional colleagues. Wes and Scott are good and decent men who deserve thoughtful consideration. I view the office of sheriff from a professional, rather than personal, perspective. When viewed from this perspective, Wes stands out as the best choice.
For me, the choice is all about qualifications. Public expectations for law enforcement managers have moved, appropriately so, from simple recognition of tenure to an expectation that persons holding such positions are among the most qualified. In terms of professional preparation, Wes is the only candidate to obtain multiple advanced degrees related to law enforcement administration. Wes is the only candidate to graduate from two of the top law enforcement management schools in the country: the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Wes is the only candidate with experience at all levels of law enforcement supervision and management, including a number of years as Tomah’s Police Chief. Wes is the only candidate with experience in preparation and implementation of a multimillion-dollar law enforcement budget.
The background, education, experience and preparation that Wes would bring to the position of sheriff is typical of what is expected of modern-day law enforcement administrators. The citizens of Monroe County deserve to have the most qualified candidate as their sheriff. Clearly, that person is Wes Revels. Please join me on Aug. 12 in voting for Wes Revels for Monroe County Sheriff.