21 Things You Might Not Know About Me: Mike Richter

This week's '21 Things You Might Not Know About Me' features Washburn County Chief Deputy, Mike Richter.

1. I was born in Shell Lake, at the Shell Lake Hospital. This site is approximately 300 feet from my office where I report to work each day.
2. I am the Chief Deputy at The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office.
3. My Wife Dawn and I live on 80 acres in the Town of Bashaw.
4. My paternal Grandparents, Vincent and Mary Richter, were immigrants from Europe and settled on a farm near Sarona.
5. My maternal Grandparents, Howard and Clarice Morey, lived in Shell Lake where Grandpa delivered fuel and Grandma worked at Shell Lake Bank for over 30 years.
6. My Wife calls me a deer hunting fanatic. I do put a lot of time and energy into my favorite hobby.
7. I have run a side business for 15 years, Back 40 Management, installing food plots, prairie projects, trail mowing, and developing wildlife habitat.
8. I enjoy cutting firewood and appreciate the independence of heating our home with the wood from our property.
9. My Dad and Mom instilled responsibility and a hard work ethic in me. I have been employed since I was 15 years old.
10. My favorite food was my Grandma’s Bohemian potato dumplings. I haven’t had any that compare since she passed away.
11. My Wife and I are “empty nesters” Our 3 boys and 2 girls are out making their mark on the world.
12. I make homemade wine…..raspberry rhubarb is my best batch yet.
13. I was the Special Response Team Leader for 12 years until my promotion to Chief Deputy. While SRT Leader, all situations were resolved without injury to our tactical team members.
14. I attend Trinity Lutheran Church and currently serve as Church Council President.
15. As Rodeo fans, My wife and I have attended rodeos in South Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Iowa and Wisconsin. Our favorite is right here at home….The Heart of the North Spooner Rodeo.
16. During my 12 years as a Narcotics Investigator, I worked undercover purchasing illegal drugs from individuals in Douglas, Bayfield, Sawyer, Burnett, Iron, and Washburn Counties.
17. During vacation, I enjoy relaxing on the shore of Lake Superior in Upper Michigan.
18. I have aspirations to someday become The Washburn County Sheriff.
19. My only sibling is Lynn Berghuis who lives in Spooner.
20. In 2015 I was the first Chief Deputy in the State of Wisconsin to graduate from The UW Command College Program.
21. After 30+ years working at The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, I continue to enjoy serving friends and neighbors, by helping to ensure a safe and just community.