The vote to approve a donation from Adopt-A-Soldier Door County to the Sheriff’s Department for protective equipment was robust at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Many participants were concerned that the endowment was an end-run around the government after the Public Safety Committee said funding should be provided through standard budgetary procedures rather than a special apportionment. There was also concern that it sent the wrong message with police brutality in the headlines across the state and nation. Some supervisors were worried that other counties in Wisconsin could ask for support, demanding local deputies to act in a manner contrary to the wishes of area residents. Sheriff Tammy Sternard gave a stern rebuke to what she saw as a questioning of her authority over her department.

The final vote margin was 16-4.