Former Denver police officer Randy Wagner is the latest candidate vying for voters’ support in November in the race to become the next Door County sheriff.
Wagner joins Door County sheriff’s Deputy Curt Vandertie and Professional Standards Capt. Carl Waterstreet as candidates, and is the first to come from outside the department.
Wagner retired to Door County in 2021 after more than 25 years in law enforcement, including 21 years with the Denver Police Department.
He had been a frequent visitor to northeast Wisconsin before moving to the area because of his love for fishing. Wagner and his wife both grew up in small towns and wanted the same experience for their children.
In recent years, Wagner said he has become concerned by incidents he has seen and heard about locally, including one near Target last summer. Rather than “sit idly by,” Wagner said he hopes to bring an outside perspective to the sheriff’s office.
Wagner admitted he thought his law enforcement career was over when he retired in 2021, but he now works part time for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.
The field is still waiting to hear whether current Sheriff Tammy Sternard will seek another term. The 32-year veteran of the department posted on social media this week that she is strongly considering a third term and appreciates the support of those urging her to run again.
