Governor Scott Walker announced today the appointment of Chief Deputy Scott Knudson as the new St. Croix County Sheriff, replacing Sheriff John Shilts, who resigned on July 14, 2017.
“Chief Deputy Knudson has demonstrated he has the skills and expertise to serve as an excellent Sheriff for St. Croix County,” Governor Walker said. “With 21 years of experience, six of which were serving as Chief Deputy, he is ready and able to serve the citizens of St. Croix County as Sheriff.”
Knudson, a resident of Somerset, Wisconsin, holds over 21 years of law enforcement experience, all of which have been in the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office. Knudson has served as Chief Deputy for the previous six years.
During his tenure in the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Knudson has worked as a Deputy Jailer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant and Patrol Captain. In addition to his experience in St. Croix County, Knudson served as a part time Patrol Officer and later becoming Police Chief for the Star Prairie Police Department. Knudson graduated from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
“Scott has demonstrated the kind of leadership, dedication and focus we need in a Sheriff,” said Dr. Christopher Babbitt of St. Croix County Board of Supervisors. “As a psychologist who works with the youth of this county, I’ve seen Scott’s commitment to children and youth through his community work and his ability to both enforce the law but to do so with compassion and an understanding of the challenges faced by those with mental health and substance abuse issues.”
Knudson also engages the community in many ways. Some of the committees he takes part in are the St. Croix County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, St. Croix County Traffic Safety, the Stop Substance Abuse Calendar contest and assisting the Restorative Justice Victim Panels.
“As a Sheriff, I know what qualities it takes for someone to be successful in this position,” said Sheriff Dan Starry of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota. “His leadership for strategic planning is second to none. He has distinguished himself not only as a remarkable law enforcement officer but also as a leader in community relations and team work. Scott truly is a public servant at heart.”
Last Update: Jul 26, 2017 4:48 pm CDT
