(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
David W. Zoerner is now officially the Kenosha County Sheriff. At noon yesterday, Sheriff Zoerner legally took over command of one of the state’s largest law enforcement agencies. He was sworn in officially on December 27, 2022 so he could begin his duties. Yesterday was the Sheriff’s regularly scheduled day off, but he still reported to the department to get to work. Today at 4 pm, Zoerner took the oath of office again with his wife of 22 years, Amy. She was at his side holding the Holy Bible. Zoerner promised to protect and defend the constitution of the United States of America, a promise, he said he takes very seriously. He did so as a United States Marine.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Top Row – The Honorable Gerald Dougvillo (Branch 1), The Honorable Jason Rossell (Branch 2)
The Honorable Bruce Schroeder (Branch 3), The Honorable Anthony Milisauskas (Branch 4)
Bottom Row – The Honorable Judge David Wilk (Branch 5), The Honorable Angelina Gabriele (Branch 6)
The Honorable Jodi Meier (Branch 7), The Honorable Chad Kerkman (Branch 8)
Each and every one of the Kenosha County Judges attended.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Chief Deputy Marc Levin who is set to retire in a couple of months called the court to order and commanded silence. Chief Judge Jason Rossell introduced the local leaders present.
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department Jail Chaplain
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department Jail Chaplain John Hagerty led the large group in prayer.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Honor Guard posted the colors.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Sheriff Zoerner’s Youngest Son Brody (13), Lead The Pledge of Allegiance.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha County Executive Kerkman made comments about her excitement to work along side the new Sheriff. She also spoke of the new Kenosha Police Chief, Patrick Patton who was in attendance.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Wisconsin’s most senior judge, Bruce Schroeder was asked by Zoerner to swear him in on his special day. Judge Schroeder quickly agreed, saying “it would by my honor and a privilege.” Schroeder made remarks including his love for the democratic system – that we as citizens can chose our leaders. He called the Sheriff’s position “very important.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Judges Schroeder administered the oath of office and the new Sheriff thanked Schroeder for giving him the honor.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Sheriff Zoerner thanked his colleagues, friends and family for their support. County Executive Samantha Kerkman made some final remarks and Chaplain Hagerty gave a closing prayer. Chief Deputy Marc Levin then adjourned the proceedings.
Zoerner has been with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department for almost 24 years. He has held many roles within the department. Zoerner received a standing ovation today from friends, family members, colleagues, Judges and dignitaries. When asked how the made him feel, he told KCE “it was humbling. What an exciting ceremony. I am so grateful that the citizens of Kenosha County have elected me to lead this outstanding group of professional law enforcers. I won’t let them down.”
The Sheriff told KCE that there have been several promotions recently and the command staff has evolved. He has the utmost trust in his new Chief Deputy, Justin Miller, his senior Captain, Tony Gonzalez and the two newly promoted captains Eric Klinkhammer and Steve Beranis. “I’ve worked with these men for years and I have no doubt they will be a successful team. Their combined knowledge and experience prepares us for the future. We have reorganized the different divisions of the Sheriff’s Department, utilizing deputies where their skill sets can be best utilized within the department. .“
“I love this job,” Zoerner concluded.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Captain Beranis, Captain Klinkhammer, Chief Levin, Sheriff Zoerner, Chief Miller and Captain Gonzalez
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
17 Responses
Congratulations, Sheriff Zoerner! Kenosha County made the correct choice!
Congratulations Sheriff Zoerner! Looking forward to the future as you take the helm to protect and defend Kenosha County!
Kevin, Thank you for your committement to getting the story out! I searched and could not find anything in our local paper, which was quite surprising!
They had a significant story online.
I’m suprised Gravley didn’t burst into flames standing between two republicans!
LOLOL .. !!!!!!!!
Gravely is not so honest…
Congratualtions Sheriff Zoerner! I am quite pleased you are the new Sheriff and looking forward to your leadership.
I know it’s quite early in your new position. However I am hopeful that a thorough investigation is done without delay to not only look into the events that transpired that allowed Kenosha to burn but to follow through with criminal charges to those involved. Derilection of duty is not the term here, domestic terrorism is. Blaming Evers is not the excuse when your specific duty has been defined (below).
Suspsect #1: David Beth
Sheriff Duties:
59.28 Peace maintenance; powers and duties of peace officers, cooperation.
(1) Sheriffs and their undersheriffs and deputies shall keep and preserve the peace in their respective counties and quiet and suppress all affrays, routs, riots, unlawful assemblies and insurrections; for which purpose, and for the service of processes in civil or criminal cases and in the apprehending or securing any person for felony or breach of the peace they and every coroner and constable may call to their aid such persons or power of their county as they consider necessary.
Suspect #2: Michael Gravely – Known to have direct communication with BLM leaders through leaked messages.
Gravely wow
DA Mike Graveley laughingly gives all of us a clue that he will mock the efforts of Law Enforcement when Citations are sent to him.
Drove south down Highway 31 today, from KR to S. Saw a couple of squads running radar, controlling that death-ridden racetrack. Thank you for your commitment to safety!
Totally agree Red Pill – the previous Sheriff certainly lacked integrity and must be held accountable for all his misdeeds…
Congratulations Sheriff Zoerner!
You will do well Dave. You are where you’re supposed to be.
It’s a very tough job. The sheriff’s department has turned into a bloated bureaucracy with little planning for the future. Reactive vs. proactive. Many good people but inconsistent leadership.
Above all, Sheriff Zoerner must be a constitutional Sheriff, who protects the people of Kenosha County from tyranny and subversion against our constitutional freedoms. It isn’t a game any more. The people need a champion.
I just couldn’t vote for a man who couldn’t decide which party he wanted to be in. He changed parties like people change their underwear. First he was a Republican. Then when he thought the Democrats were the winning side, he became a Democrat. When the Democrats started taking heat because Biden is a bumbling idiot with dementia and Harris is the queen of the word salad, he instantly changes back to a Republican. Too wishy-washy for me folks.