Editor’s note: All six of our area Sheriff’s Offices (Barron, Burnett, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn) responded to a recent survey and therefore received a donation to buy new equipment. DrydenWire contacted each of our area Sheriffs to find out what they are planning to purchase with the funds.
WASHBURN COUNTY -- The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office is about to get some new equipment after receiving an anonymous donation.
In the fall of 2021, the Badger State Sheriff’s Association (BSSA) learned of an individual interested in making an anonymous donation to enhance the safety of law enforcement personnel in Wisconsin. In response, the BSSA contacted the Law Enforcement Foundation of Barron County (LEFBC) to engage that organization’s partnership in accepting such a donation. The BSSA then undertook the creation of the 2021 BSSA Safety First Initiative to survey the 72 Wisconsin Sheriffs on their safety needs.
A total of fifty-three Sheriffs responded to the BSSA Safety First survey with equipment needs that exceeded 1.4 million dollars. The results of the survey were provided to the anonymous donor who, reiterating a desire to help keep law enforcement officers in Wisconsin safe while handling high-risk events, determined to fully fund the requested equipment.
Washburn County Sheriff Dennis Stuart was among the 53 that responded to the survey and received a donation to purchase new equipment.
DrydenWire: How much money did you request/receive?
Sheriff Stuart: $23,000
DrydenWire: What equipment will you be purchasing with this donation?
Sheriff Stuart: Ten helmet mounted night vision monoculars.
DrydenWire: Why did you choose this equipment?
Sheriff Stuart: For the safety of our deputies/officers assigned to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, and the public. The ability to locate people in the low light conditions without the use of flashlights which could potentially endanger our deputies/officers, or the public. The monoculars will be used during high risk operations, or search and rescue operations.
DrydenWire: What would you like to say to the anonymous donor?
Sheriff Stuart: Without this donation it would have been difficult to find the funding for this type of equipment. The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office is very grateful for this private donation, and to be able to acquire this equipment that has been needed for a number of years now.
Last Update: Mar 19, 2022 11:33 am CDT
