Following the collection of nearly 400 signatures from county residents, Tuesday morning, Merrill Police Officer Pete Borchardt announced his official candidacy for the Lincoln County Sheriff race.
Borchardt was the first candidate to announce his bid for Sheriff, turning in Declaration of Candidacy papers at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office on November 28, 2017. Borchardt said he has been planning to run for Sheriff for the past 2 years and plans to improve service and efficiency for our Lincoln County taxpayers, citizens, and visitors.
In a press release Tuesday morning, Borchardt cited over 20 years of law enforcement training and experience, a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, and a long tenure of community involvement as key qualifications for his candidacy.
“Hello, I am Pete Borchardt and today I am officially announcing my candidacy for the position of Lincoln County Sheriff. After 21 years of service as a local law enforcement officer- 20 of which served with the Merrill Police Department- in addition to a lifetime commitment of community service within the Merrill Community, I am well qualified to take on the honorable role as your Sheriff.
“I take a lot of pride in going above and beyond the call of duty for the people I serve and protect. It has been an honor to serve the City of Merrill for the past 20 years, and now I want to use the knowledge and experience I have acquired to make Lincoln County an even better place to live. I have always been a strong leader and have served our community in many leadership roles throughout my life.
“I obtained my first job as a Police Officer serving the Village of Athens in May of 1997, moved on to become a Dispatcher with the Merrill Police Department in January of 1998 and was later hired as a full-time Patrol Officer with the Merrill Police Department on May 5, 1999. I have developed an impressive resume over the past 20 years. I will explain more about my qualifications in the near future.
“My wife Marci and I have raised four amazing children; Marissa, Macy, Matthew, and Mason. I can’t imagine life without them. Marci and I are also fortunate enough to have an adorable granddaughter!
“Being a father and grandfather is extremely rewarding, and I thank God for the blessings he has given all of us! We are Christians and belong to Faith Lutheran Church. I am a firm believer in sound moral values, and always try to do the right thing. These are just a few of the personal values I will bring to the office of Lincoln County Sheriff, if I am chosen to lead in August.
“On a professional level, I feel I have the education and experience to not only be a very effective leader,but assure the highest level of safety and service to our Lincoln County residents.
“Of these qualifications, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, and 400 hours of Police Recruit Training from Northcentral Technical College of Wausau. I was formerly a D.A.R.E Officer for 8 years and have completed training as a Death Investigator (Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation); Advanced Interviewing for Law Enforcement Investigators (Federal Bureau of Investigation); and I’m a graduate of NTC’s Investigations Academy. The Merrill Police Department also sent me to special Supervisor training a few years ago called Leadership in Police Organizations, and I have First-line Supervisor experience as well.
“Aside from 20 years of professional policing service to the Merrill Community, I have served as a member of the Social & Sick Benefit Society, Merrill Lion’s Club, Merrill Golf Booster Club, Merrill Silver M Club, Merrill Historical Society and I am a former Board Member of Wisconsin Special Olympics and the Merrill Optimist’s Club. I currently proudly serve as Vice-President of Faith Lutheran Church.
“In my off-time, I enjoy being outdoors in beautiful Lincoln County, hunting, fishing and ATV’ing. I love playing golf and pool, and trap-shooting as well. As part of my interest in the sport of golf, I designed and built Clear Cut Range, a golf driving range located on CTH K just south of Merrill. I am the owner and operator of this successful small business, and value the business experience. I have always enjoyed athletics and good old fashioned competition. Being a normal guy that does normal things, has helped me develop a fantastic relationship with many people here in Lincoln County and other places.”
Please follow this election over the next couple months and give me thoughtful consideration. Lincoln County needs positive change, and a special leader to accomplish many new goals. I am well aware of the problems that we face here in Lincoln County and I will work harder than anyone else to provide better law enforcement service for our citizens and visitors. Trust me and believe in me, and I will not let you down. On August 14, vote for POSITIVE CHANGE. Vote Pete Borchardt for Sheriff. It would be my sincere honor to serve as your Sheriff.
The Lincoln County Sheriff primary election is set for August 14.