Waldemar "Walt" Madsen III and Robert "Bob" Hawn. Submitted photos.
My Price County asked the two Price County sheriff candidates, Robert "Bob" Hawn and Waldemar "Walt" Madsen III, twelve question sets focusing on each one's background and qualifications; the “good old boys” culture and trust; complaint handling and accountability; transparency with the public and media; social media use; drug issues; domestic violence, property crime, and repeat offenders; constitutional rights; top influences; and the changes each would make if elected as sheriff.
We asked each candidate to reply in 150 words or less to each question. However, if they had more to say on one question set than another, they could go over the word count for that question but must have no more than 1,800 total words for all twelve question sets. They were each given the same time frame to answer the questions. We asked them to speak of themselves and not the other candidate. Members of the community gave us suggestions for questions, and we did our best to get each type of question answered. For each candidate, we fixed a few obvious, small issues with grammar/spelling typos (for clarity for our readers) but otherwise left their answers untouched.
ROBERT "BOB" HAWN
Submitted photo.
Tell us about yourself, including your family, education, connection to Price County, and the qualities that make you qualified to serve as sheriff.
My name is Robert Hawn and I am currently the Chief Deputy for the Price County Sheriff’s Office. I grew up in Butternut, Wisconsin. I graduated from Butternut High School in 2003. While still in high school, I enlisted in an infantry unit of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. In 2004, I was deployed to Forward Operating Base Mackenzie near Samarra, Iraq.
I returned from deployment in 2005 and attended college at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I earned an Associates Degree in criminal justice and completed the law enforcement recruit academy in 2008.
While attending college, I met my best friend and future wife, Valerie Thompson. In 2008, Valerie and I returned to Park Falls and I was hired as a patrol officer for the City of Park Falls. In 2009, I was deployed to Iraq for a second time. I then returned home and continued my career with the Park Falls Police Department. Valerie and I were married in 2011 and we were blessed with two amazing boys, Spencer and Graysen.
In 2015, I was hired by the Price County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. In 2016, I was hired as an Investigator for the Sheriff’s Office. In 2022, I was hired as the Chief Deputy and appointed Undersheriff for the Sheriff’s Office. A position I still hold today.
I am qualified to serve as Sheriff as I am the only candidate in this election who is a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin. My honesty, integrity, and hard work ethic have been and will continue to be the foundation of my career.
I am also the only candidate in this election who has experience in patrol operations, conducting complex criminal investigations up to and including homicide investigations, managing the budget of the Sheriff’s Office responsibly, managing the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office, managing personnel, identifying and addressing the risk/liabilities that surround law enforcement, and addressing citizens questions and concerns.
Some people feel a "good old boys" system is implemented in Price County, including in the sheriff's office. What are your thoughts on that? If it does not exist, how will you change that view? If it does exist, how will you try to end it?
I do not believe a “good old boys” system exists in Price County. During my career, I have conducted investigations, served search warrants, and arrested doctors, attorneys, public officials, business owners, professional athletes, and even law enforcement officers. All of this was done with the support of the administration within the Sheriff’s Office and Price County government as a whole. The mentality has always been, “it does not matter what your perceived status in society is, the law is applicable to everyone.”
During my time in the administrative role of the Sheriff’s Office, hirings and promotions have been based upon an individual’s merit not favoritisms. On the other hand, I have conducted inquiries and investigations involving Sheriff’s Office personnel that led to discipline and/or termination even though I considered these employees my friends.
How will you build trust with people who do not normally trust law enforcement?
I hope to build trust with those who do not trust law enforcement by having a willingness to meet with those individuals and have open and honest conversations with them. I am aware actions speak louder than words. If I tell you I will do something, I will do it. If I am wrong or make a mistake, I will own up to it and learn from it.
If a complaint is made about a deputy, how will you handle the complaint, the investigation, and any discipline that may follow? How will you make sure deputies are held accountable for misconduct?
If a complaint is filed against an employee, there is a strict, policy driven process that has to be followed. This process is also consistent with Wisconsin State Statute. Once the proper complaint is received, an inquiry or investigation will be completed. If that inquiry or investigation finds the employee made a simple mistake or human error, the issue(s) will be addressed with the employee and remedial training may be implemented to prevent the mistake from occurring again. This may also cause changes to our office policy and procedures to ensure the Sheriff’s Office is providing the best possible service for all citizens of Price County. If the inquiry or investigation shows the employee acted with malicious intent or lied, discipline up to and including termination will occur.
What are the top three changes you would make in the sheriff’s office?
The top three changes I will make as Sheriff are not necessarily changes, but goals. My first goal is to provide a high level, professional law enforcement service to the citizens of Price County using the latest technology and proactive strategies, while being fiscally responsible with the citizens' tax dollars. My second goal is to improve mental health options and resources to Price County Sheriff’s Office employees. My third goal is to develop creative options that promote the recruitment and retention of employees.
How will you approach searches, seizures, and individual rights?
I will approach searches, seizures, and individual rights as I always have during my 18-year career in law enforcement and that is by following the Constitution of the United States, case law, State Statute, and the policies and procedures of the Price County Sheriff’s Office.
Will you talk with the media? Other counties generally give more press releases for more things, sooner, and with more information, plus they give follow-up information after the initial press release. Also, when My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin contacts the sheriff (via email or phone) with our questions or questions directly from citizens, (such as concerns about the Hwy. 13 and Hwy. 111/Little Chicago Road intersection and accidents, for example), they go unanswered in this county, but other county's sheriffs provide answers. Will you be willing to talk with the media about things you can answer to improve transparency with the public? How will you do so?
I do intend on speaking with the media when I become Sheriff. The extent of details in a press release and any additional follow up releases will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. The Sheriff is responsible for providing information regarding risks to public safety while still protecting the integrity of the investigation and ensuring that any potential jury is not tainted due to the details released. This also includes protecting the privacy and wishes of the victims in those cases. I don’t necessarily care what Sheriffs in other counties are releasing in their press releases. The Sheriff of Price County is only responsible for the constituents in Price County and what is in the best interests of the Price County Sheriff’s Office and the Price County court system.
A lot of people in Price County use Facebook. Will you use Facebook as a tool to understand the concerns of people in Price County and search for tips that may help law enforcement solve crimes, including crimes from long ago? How do you feel about officers making comments on Facebook against citizens when citizens post their concerns about things that are allegedly happening to them?
I am not one of those people who uses Facebook. This election has already shown that Facebook makes it very easy for people to spread negativity, lies, and misinformation without recourse. That being said, I do see how certain Facebook pages, such as the Price County Humane Officer’s page and the Price County K9’s page(s) are beneficial by being able to immediately release accurate information to the public. As Sheriff, I will not have my own Facebook page as I do not believe a Sheriff belongs hiding behind a keyboard. A Sheriff should be out among and interacting with their constituents.
In respect to employees making comments on Facebook, as long as the Facebook use is not occurring while the employee is on duty and those comments do not violate State Statute, I will not prohibit employees from expressing their thoughts or beliefs. Just because a person wears a badge, does not mean they forego their 1st Amendment right of Freedom of Speech; the same constitutional right that protects and allows press such as this to exist.
Residents are concerned about drug use in the county. How would you address Delta-8, synthetic marijuana products, marijuana, and other substance abuse problems in a way that improves safety and supports recovery? How do you feel about Delta-8, synthetics, and marijuana?
I would address Delta 8 as I always have since Price County created an ordinance prohibiting its sale/possession and that is by enforcing that ordinance. Synthetic marijuana and marijuana are prohibited by State Statute and local ordinance. Therefore, those statutes and ordinances will be enforced. The Sheriff’s Office is unique in the fact that the Sheriff is responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting drugs, but I believe the Sheriff also has a responsibility in providing recovery options in the Price County Jail. I will continue to allow recovery resources such as AA, NA, and any other programs potentially beneficial in the recovery process to be available to inmates in the Price County Jail.
I firmly believe that a law enforcement officer’s personal feeling about drugs or any other law does not matter. Law enforcement officers are expected to enforce local and state laws as they are written and/or by the interpretations provided by the Courts, not the officer’s personal feelings.
How would you handle domestic violence, property crimes, drug activity, and repeat offenders?
I will ensure that cases of domestic violence, property crimes, and drug activity are addressed by maintaining the expectation that deputies will conduct proactive patrols and complete thorough investigations all while treating victims with empathy and offenders with respect.
Who were your top influences for how you will be as a sheriff, and how did those people influence you?
Thomas Hawn, my uncle, is a retired law enforcement officer. When I was 5 years old, I saw my Uncle Tom wearing his uniform and driving his squad car. Thomas carried himself with such great pride. One day, Uncle Tom allowed me to wear his uniform, sit in his squad car, and even put the handcuffs on my brother. From that moment on, I knew what my career was going to be. Still, to this day, if I have a bad day at work, I know Uncle Tom is there for me to use as a sounding board.
Retired Chief of Police Jerry Ernst taught me what it means to be an investigator. Chief Ernst taught me the importance of being proactive, patient, and thorough in my investigations while not being afraid of trying different, “outside the box” strategies in my investigations.
Sheriff Brian Schmidt has shown, by example, what it means to be a leader. Sheriff Schmidt taught me the importance of truly knowing who your employees are on a personal level and caring for them as if they were family.
How will you make Price County better?
I did not answer this in order to keep my response under 1500 words.
WALDEMAR "WALT" MADSEN III
Submitted photo.
Tell us about yourself, including your family, education, connection to Price County, and the qualities that make you qualified to serve as sheriff.
My name is Waldemar Madsen, I've lived in Price County for 10 years. I have 4 children, 2 of them are adults and live out of state and 2 are children that live here. I'm am Army Combat Veteran and served as a military police officer, during that time I did regular patrol duties. Then when opportunities presented themselves I took them. I became part of a PSD Team while in Iraq OIF 5 for BG James Huggins. I then went to K9 school when I got back and did that for awhile. When I was asked to do animal control I took up that job 'til I got out of the Army.
Some people feel a "good old boys" system is implemented in Price County, including in the sheriff's office. What are your thoughts on that? If it does not exist, how will you change that view? If it does exist, how will you try to end it?
It definitely exists and it's not how will I end it but it's how the people will end it by voting for me. I am the end to those days. We will all be treated equally in this county no matter how much money people have. Status shouldn't be something you can hide behind.
How will you build trust with people who do not normally trust law enforcement?
I'm going to take an active role in the communities and school systems to ensure safety, kindness, and fairness to all citizens and upholding the rights of the people. Also making sure proper investigations are done so innocent people aren't getting in trouble when they shouldn't be.
If a complaint is made about a deputy, how will you handle the complaint, the investigation, and any discipline that may follow? How will you make sure deputies are held accountable for misconduct?
If a complaint comes in verbally or written, I will look into it right away and not make the people wait for an answer. If it comes in verbally I'll look at how the investigation was done and read the police reports to see if they were written correctly and with NO made up parts like officers have done. If I find one of my deputies has done something to a citizen, I can promise the correct actions are taken and an apology from my office and written from the deputy will happen.
What are the top three changes you would make in the sheriff’s office?
I will end what I believe are predatory behaviors, and I will uphold the rights of the people, unlike our current sheriff promised when I was on the county board. I also would like to open the door to more veterans in our county by deputizing willing veterans to be part of special units, SWAT, Drug Task Force, and Search and Rescue. I love our veterans and I want to give them their purpose back. I'd also like to take an active role in our schools to end bullying. I've talked to parents and they tell me bullying is out of control and I can make sure our students are safe and their rights are also upheld.
How will you approach searches, seizures, and individual rights?
I will never enforce unconstitutional laws ever. I have had my rights violated by this sheriff's office and as a veteran it was a slap in the face to not have my rights upheld by the people that are sworn to uphold them, that oath isn't an option and never expires. The way current searches are done is wrong, we will not go off hearsay, violate someone's privacy, and we WILL HAVE PROBABLE CAUSE OR PLAIN VIEW. Evidence is what we need to do a search and that's how its going to happen and we will have warrants, and not tell people if they cooperate, they won't be arrested. Nobody should have to cooperate under duress.
Will you talk with the media? Other counties generally give more press releases for more things, sooner, and with more information, plus they give follow-up information after the initial press release. Also, when My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin contacts the sheriff (via email or phone) with our questions or questions directly from citizens, (such as concerns about the Hwy. 13 and Hwy. 111/Little Chicago Road intersection and accidents, for example), they go unanswered in this county, but other county's sheriffs provide answers. Will you be willing to talk with the media about things you can answer to improve transparency with the public? How will you do so?
I will always communicate with the press and give answers as fast as I can. The public has every right to know what's going on in our county and I will make it easier than it is now to get open records requests. I will always be available to the press and public starting now, 715-780-0744 is my phone number, I have an open door policy for the people.
A lot of people in Price County use Facebook. Will you use Facebook as a tool to understand the concerns of people in Price County and search for tips that may help law enforcement solve crimes, including crimes from long ago? How do you feel about officers making comments on Facebook against citizens when citizens post their concerns about things that are allegedly happening to them?
I'm going to create a policy that keeps officers off of Facebook for official reasons, they will be able to for personal though. As sheriff I think we can utilize Facebook for tips and evidence collection for crimes, but we will NOT be participating in the public drama.
Residents are concerned about drug use in the county. How would you address Delta-8, synthetic marijuana products, marijuana, and other substance abuse problems in a way that improves safety and supports recovery? How do you feel about Delta-8, synthetics, and marijuana?
I will never be a fan of synthetic drugs at all or any of the hard drugs and will go after them in a very different fashion, I want them gone and will make life very uncomfortable for people selling or manufacturing. However, I'm not against actual marijuana and think it needs to be decriminalized. The bottom line is its not worse than alcohol and could be a great tax revenue for our state and county or even a way to cut taxes, like property taxes.
How would you handle domestic violence, property crimes, drug activity, and repeat offenders?
I don't like domestic violence at all, but we need to have an understanding it comes from both men and women. As a man I know its my job to protect my loved ones, and that means if someone commits acts of domestic violence in this county, I want them to do jail time, not probation. As for property crimes that's going to have to be dealt with case by case basis, but I can ensure fairness every time. Repeat offenders are a huge problem in this county and I feel if people don't want to stop committing crimes they should go to jail instead of continuing the fines and probation routine the county has now.
Who were your top influences for how you will be as a sheriff, and how did those people influence you?
My Mom and Dad are great influences for the kind of sheriff I'm going to be. My mother for her compassion, fairness, and integrity, and my father for his toughness and willingness to stand up for people, along with his motivation to always get the job done. He was also a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. They have both passed and I want to make them proud even now. SFC Matthew Love, he was my leader in Iraq in 2007 during OIF 5 and he instilled in me the Army Values that I follow to this day and will to the day I die and I hope that the deputies under me will follow those same values, cause you don't have to be in the military to have them. My kids are also who inspire me cause I want to make Price County a safe place for them and any other child in this county and be a positive example to them also.
How will you make Price County better?
I'd like to rebuild the relationship between the people and law enforcement, that's where it starts and knowing our rights will be upheld.
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