Sheriff Doug Mrotek Reflects On Career, Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2026

SAWYER COUNTY (DrydenWire) – Sawyer County Sheriff Doug Mrotek will retire at the end of his term, bringing to a close a law enforcement career that will span more than 43 years of service when he steps away in January 2027.

Mrotek said his decision not to seek re-election follows a timeline he set years ago. After being appointed sheriff by Governor Scott Walker in 2017, Mrotek committed to serving through his term, a goal he said he intends to fulfill.

“When I retire in January 2027, I will have been a law enforcement officer for 43 years and nine months,” Mrotek said. “It has been an honor to serve as a law enforcement officer and most of all, as your sheriff.”

Over the course of his career, Mrotek served with the Hayward City Police Department, the Town of Hayward Police Department, and the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office. He said some of his most meaningful memories came earlier in his career while working patrol and serving as a DARE officer in the Hayward Community Schools for 10 years.

“Some of my fondest memories were serving on the streets enforcing laws as a patrol officer and being a DARE officer in the Hayward schools,” Mrotek said.

As sheriff, Mrotek said his leadership philosophy centered on building a strong organization by hiring, promoting, and retaining quality staff while maintaining accountability.

“Great staff make a better sheriff’s office to better serve the public,” Mrotek said. “We strive to mentor and coach our staff on serving communities and leadership, and I believe that helps with ongoing succession planning.”

He said he is proud of the men and women currently serving with the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office and the work they do each day on behalf of the community.

Reflecting on challenges during his tenure, Mrotek said the COVID-19 pandemic was the most difficult period he faced as sheriff, particularly due to the deep divisions it created within the community.

“I received many calls each day,” Mrotek said. “Half were from people concerned about being protected from the virus, and the other half were concerned about protecting their constitutional rights.”

During that time, Sawyer County held weekday meetings with key department heads for months to address pandemic-related issues and determine how best to serve residents.

The pandemic coincided with national unrest following the George Floyd incident in Minneapolis, Mrotek said, as well as a significant population shift into Sawyer County. With more people able to work remotely, many residents with vacation homes moved to the area permanently.

“Our full-time population increased from roughly 16,500 to about 18,000 in one year,” Mrotek said. “That growth happened without an increase in the local workforce to support it.”

Looking ahead, Mrotek confirmed that Chief Deputy Bryan Deyo and Patrol Lt. Greg Ripczinski have both announced their candidacies for Sawyer County sheriff, though additional candidates may still emerge.

Mrotek said he has encouraged staff to base their decisions on what best serves the agency and the community, and he plans to assist the next sheriff with a smooth transition.

“I will assist whomever is elected and help in any way possible to better serve Sawyer County into the future,” he said.

As he prepares for retirement, Mrotek said he is looking forward to expanding his beef cattle operation, traveling, snowmobiling, motorcycling, volunteering, and spending more time with family.

“I still have a year left to serve in this role,” Mrotek said. “I intend to give it my all until my term ends.”

Last Update: Jan 23, 2026 11:31 am CST