BURNETT COUNTY — Mikal Anton has formally announced his candidacy for Burnett County Sheriff in the 2026 election, following current Sheriff Tracy Finch’s decision not to seek re-election. His full announcement is included below.
ANNOUNCEMENT
I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Burnett County Sheriff in the upcoming 2026 election.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve the residents of Burnett County for the past 28 years. My law enforcement career began in 1996 after graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy at Chippewa Valley Technical College. I continued my education in Criminal Justice at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Following college, I served as a full-time patrol officer with the Village of Siren and later with the Village of Webster before beginning my career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office in September of 2001, where I continue to proudly serve today.
During my career with Burnett County, I have held several leadership and specialized roles. I have served as a Corporal and Field Training Officer for 17 years and have been a certified law enforcement instructor and handgun instructor since 2001. I was a member of the Burnett County Emergency Response Team (ERT) for approximately eight years, serving as an entry team operator and later as ERT Commander from 2020 to 2024. In 2019, I was promoted to Detective with an emphasis on narcotics-related investigations, a role I continue to serve in today.
I am a lifelong resident of Burnett County, born and raised in Siren and a graduate of Siren Schools. My wife, Mystie, and I have been married for 27 years and have always called Burnett County home. Together, we raised four sons, and we are now blessed with four grandchildren. My wife has been my constant support and is also a law enforcement veteran, having served the citizens of Burnett County as a dispatcher and corrections officer for 19 years. She currently serves as a corrections officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where she has worked for the past seven years.
Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, trapping, golfing, trap shooting, volleyball, and spending time outdoors with family. Coaching has also been a passion of mine. I have served as a varsity assistant football coach for the Siren Dragons for the past 14 years and have volunteered coaching youth baseball and volleyball. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to mentorship, teamwork, and community involvement.
Over the past seven years, the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office has made tremendous progress. The K-9 Program was reinstated, the Emergency Response Team was reestablished, a successful drone program was developed, a peer support program was implemented, and a new jail and Sheriff’s Office facility was constructed. I credit Sheriff Finch for the strong relationships she has built with county administration, the County Board of Supervisors, partner agencies, and—most importantly—the citizens of Burnett County. The success of any law enforcement agency is directly tied to the trust and support of its community, and the support shown to the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office has been truly outstanding.
Burnett County’s geography presents unique challenges. As a tourism-driven county, our population grows from approximately 16,000 full-time residents to more than 60,000 during peak seasons. Providing consistent public safety services without a corresponding increase in staffing requires thoughtful planning and innovation. One effective solution is expanded, specialized training for our deputies. I strongly support advanced and individualized training opportunities that allow officers to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents while maintaining responsible staffing levels. Equally important is maintaining strong working relationships with surrounding agencies. While we may wear different uniforms, we share the same mission: to provide the highest level of service to our communities and ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of each shift.
I am not a career politician. I believe in faith, family, hard work, and helping your neighbors. Throughout my 28 years of service, I have worked to build trust through honesty, integrity, respect, and active involvement in the community—both on and off duty. I firmly believe that respect is earned through actions, not granted by position or title.
As both a member of the Sheriff’s Office and the community, I see firsthand the challenges we face, including mental health crises, crimes against children and the elderly, substance abuse, and other sensitive and complex cases. If elected Sheriff, I will address these issues through education, up-to-date training, strong investigative practices, and a proactive, collaborative approach.
During my career, I have served under six different Sheriffs and experienced a variety of leadership styles. From that experience, I have learned there is a clear difference between a boss and a leader. A boss relies on authority, while a leader inspires, mentors, and develops people. As Sheriff, I will lead the department with integrity, honesty, respect, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
It would be my greatest honor to serve as Sheriff for the community that raised me and shaped who I am today. I will be seeking election on the Republican ticket.
Last Update: Jan 12, 2026 12:45 pm CST
