06/10/2026
Don Vandervest For Racine County Sheriff is the real deal. Decades of experience and excellence. He has requested and will release his complete personnel file because he has nothing to hide. Read his credentials below!
To the Citizens of Racine County:
Yesterday morning, June 8th, I took the step of requesting my complete personnel file from the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. I do this in the spirit of total transparency, and I encourage open comparison because I have nothing to hide. I am launching my campaign for Sheriff of Racine County because I know we can do better, and true leadership begins with absolute accountability. I believe a Sheriff must embody integrity, honesty, and deep operational experience. As you get to know me, my background, and my work history, I am confident you will see that these three traits define who I am.
My journey in service began right here in Wisconsin. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1996 with a degree in Social Welfare, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Psychology, I knew my calling was in law enforcement. I began my career with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office in 1999, gaining vital early experience as a Jail Training Officer and Fire and Safety Officer. By 2002, I transitioned to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, graduating with Academy Class 73 and hitting the pavement on third-shift interstate patrol.
But on April 22, 2002, I found my true professional home when I was hired by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office.
Like everyone starting out during that era, my journey here began in the jail. Working as a jailer is a profound lesson in humanity; it taught me early on that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.
By January 2009, I moved to third-shift patrol in Racine County, later becoming a Field Training Officer. It was a privilege to help shape and mentor some of the finest men and women currently wearing our uniform.
Over the last two decades, I have sought out diverse roles to fully understand every facet of public safety:
Community-Focused Policing: In 2011, I was promoted to a COPS position, serving as the contract squad for the Village of Rochester, where I focused heavily on community-oriented policing.
Investigative Depth: In 2012, I joined the Criminal Investigative Bureau as an Investigator. For years, I handled complex and sensitive cases—ranging from homicides and sexual assaults to burglaries and financial fraud—while training the next generation of detectives. Concurrently, I served on the Racine County Fire Task Force from 2012 to 2021, investigating fires across the county.
Specialized Narcotics Enforcement: In 2019, I was assigned to the Racine County Metro Drug Unit, conducting complex undercover operations. During my tenure, I became the only agent in the unit's history to receive formal recognition three consecutive years, including an Exemplary Officer of the Year award.
Federal Task Force Leadership: In January 2024, I was assigned to the DEA in Milwaukee as a Task Force Officer. This role involved major multi-agency investigations resulting in the significant seizure of illegal narcotics, weapons, and illicit funds. In 2025, I was humbled to receive a DEA Letter of Appreciation for locating a suspect vehicle at night and uncovering 13 kilograms of concealed narcotics.
This past January, I returned to Racine County, where I currently serve our community in courthouse security.
Throughout my 24 years behind the badge, my dedication has been recognized through several commendations, though the true reward has always been the safety of our neighborhoods:
2002: Certificate of Commendation
2015: Command Challenge Coin (“You are a credit to your profession and your actions reflect an unwavering dedication to the highest ideals of Law Enforcement.”)
2018 & 2021: Unit Citations (Investigator and Metro Drug)
2022: Exemplary Officer Award (Metro Drug)
2023: Award of Excellence (Metro Drug)
2025: DEA Letter of Appreciation (Task Force Officer)
I am not running on empty promises; I am running on a proven track record of diverse, hard-earned law enforcement experience right here in our community. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting you, listening to your concerns, and earning your trust.
Together, we can do better.
Don Vandervest
