Deputy Kevin Schmidt pledges to be ‘Patrol Sheriff’

This is part three in a series on the candidates for KC Sheriff.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY – Deputy Kevin Schmidt, also a former firefighter with Algoma Fire and Rescue and alderperson on the Algoma City Council, announced his campaign for Kewaunee County Sheriff on Jan. 6. He is running on a platform of teamwork and continuous learning, citing his variety of experiences as an asset for the role.

Schmidt holds a two-year associate degree in architectural technology and police science. He said he started as a carpenter, but had a “mid-life crisis” at 29 and changed paths.

“When I graduated from high school, I was like, ‘Well, I like drafting and construction and drawing,’ and my grandfather was a carpenter, and I also thought I might want to be a police officer,” Schmidt said. “So I just picked one.”

Schmidt spent some time working in carpentry, and satisfied his itch for public service with firefighting. However, his experience led him to seek a greater challenge.

“I was on Algoma Fire and Rescue as a firefighter at the time anyways, but I realized, well, I wanted to do more,” he said.

Schmidt began his law enforcement career in August of 2000 as a part‑time jailer and dispatcher before moving to full-time in 2001, then into patrol.
“I started fire in 1990, and then I started for the rescue squad in 1996, and then I had a total years of service at Algoma Fire and Rescue of 28 and a half years,” Schmidt said. “So all I’ve really known my whole life is serving the community with being a police officer and fire and rescue. That’s kind of all I’ve ever did. That’s just how I am.”

About twenty years ago, Schmidt ran for the Algoma City Council. He remains an active member, working on projects such as building a new fire station and remodeling city facilities. He said this experience has also improved his performance in law enforcement.

“I feel that with my experience on council and then fire and rescue, I think I’ll be a real asset. I’ll be able to work with the county board, because I’m on a city board. So I know how boards operate… You learn sometimes to agree to disagree on things,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said his time with fire and rescue has given him the opportunity to experience field training that a police officer may not. For example, Schmidt earned the title of Certified Firefighter II, an advanced-level professional (NFPA 1001 standard) trained in complex structural firefighting, rescue operations, vehicle extrication and incident command. Incident command, in particular, is increasingly relevant as more officers undergo Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) and active shooter training to ensure they are well-prepared for the worst.

Schmidt emphasized his commitment to community service, teamwork and continuous learning.

“I want to build a good relationship — and continue that relationship — with all the police agencies in the county, all our fire and rescue agencies in the county, because, like I said, teamwork. We can’t do anything on our own,” Schmidt said. “We all need to help each other. If someone calls 911 we have a jailer and a dispatcher, they’re actually the first line of our team. They coordinate all their resources. They might be handling your call, and they might have two other calls at the same time, then they send a patrol deputy. They’re the ones that are going to be the first ones on scene to figure out whether it’s a rescue call or a theft or weapon defense, they’re going to be the ones that have to take care of the initial call. And they do initial investigation, and then, if it becomes something where there’s further investigation, then we have a great group of investigators.”

Schmidt said part of the reason teamwork is so essential is Kewaunee County’s rural status. Staff is often limited, meaning one person might be handling multiple calls or cases. Schmidt said if he is elected as Kewaune County Sheriff, he wants to remain on patrol, in part because staff is needed everywhere, and in part because it’s his favorite part of the job.

“I just don’t want to give up patrol. I like driving around, seeing people. People come talk to me. I mean, there’s people I’ve arrested. I’ve seen them at Shanty Days. They’re like, ‘Hey, you want to play pool?’ I play pool with them. I mean, it’s the weirdest thing.”

“So why vote for me? I’m family orientated, dedicated, experienced, honest and trusted. believe in community first, as I spent the most of my life community with Algoma Fire and Rescue, the sheriff’s department and Algoma City Council,” Schmidt said. “I’m committed to public safety. I love training new officers on patrol. I love continuing to train their agencies. It’s not about what I can do. I believe in teamwork. If I don’t know the answer, I will find it. I’m not one that’s going to say I know everything about everything about law enforcement, because you know what? I learn something every day.”