WASHBURN COUNTY — One day after conducting interviews with several candidates, Washburn County Sheriff Dennis Stuart has made his decision on who will replace now-retired Nick Helstern.
Of the six candidates that applied, Sheriff Stuart has selected Steve Pank.
Steve Pank started with Washburn County Sheriff’s Office as a part time jailer in 2000 while still serving as Marine Corps Recruiter Duty in Duluth MN. In 2002 after serving Honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years, he was hired full time to Washburn County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer/ dispatcher.
In 2003, he received his Wisconsin law enforcement certification, and began working part time patrol shifts for Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, and Spooner Police Department.
In 2005 he was hired full time as police officer for Spooner Police Department. During this time, he held several positions including Special Response Team operator, Sniper, Assistant Commander of Special Response Team, and Investigator.
In 2013 he was promoted to Captain of Spooner Police Department, and has held that position until now. He resigned from Special Response Team in 2018, but still holds a support role for the team currently.
Last Update: Mar 14, 2021 1:16 pm CDT
