Sheriff Shawn Becker, and Lieutenant Nate Dean, from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department stopped by WFHR studios for a two part interview with James J. Malouf, to inform the people they serve.

Happy New Year

The conversation opened with Becker stating that this New Year’s Eve was the least notable in some time. Praise was given to the community for such a peaceful and safe beginning to the new year.

The New Jail

Then the conversation went to the brand new jail that opened its doors in mid December. They detailed parts of the ribbon cutting ceremony. Becker thanked the efforts of those speakers, organizers, and others involved in that ceremony. He also stressed the need for this jail, and was genuinely grateful for the outcome. Becker took a moment to praise Wood County officials for being so capable of working across party lines. This allowed them to accomplish what the County really needed.

Updated Technology

Becker and Malouf then discussed the changes in training for the new facility. The new technology, and size of the building, mean that there are lots of new things for corrections officers to learn. Becker stressed the need for those corrections officers to be fluent in the new technology before inmates get relocated to this new jail.

Inmate Support

Malouf then took a moment to appreciate the positive effects this will have on the inmates. Inmates do better with more support, as all people do. For those whose loved ones weren’t able to visit due to the distance will now have that added benefit. Becker then took that conversation and expanded on the importance of making visitations safer and more accessible, which this updated facility will do.

Lieutenant Nate Dean

The conversation then shifted to Lieutenant Nate Dean. Becker then introduced Dean. Dean is from Eau Claire originally. Malouf then asked Dean what it was about the area that convinced him to take the job here. Dean said that it was a combination of wanting to be in a sheriff’s department, the beautiful area, and his new wife who is a Marshfield resident. At the end of the first half of the interview Dean took time to discuss what made him interested in a career in law enforcement. He pointed to his elementary school years, and his experience with the D.A.R.E program being the beginning of his interest in the field.

To listen to the first half of the interview in full you can do so here.

Tribal Partnerships

The second half of the interview began with Becker stating the duties and responsibilities of Dean, and why he wanted to bring him into the interview. Becker specifically mentioned that Dean is the authority on agreements and cooperation between the Wood County Sheriff’s Department and the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Becker and Dean emphasized the need for their officers to be proactive about showing up as part of the community. Being present at community events, and being available to help out the neighborhood kids and families, shows the priority of Wood County officers is people. Grants encouraging diversity for the department were then praised by the whole group. Diversity builds strength.

Concerns About HWY 10

The conversation then moved to the concerns with HWY 10. Becker stated that there have been recent tragedies on the HWY and that it is clearly not safe. Becker has been receiving an increase in phone calls about the safety of the HWY. When Malouf asked what citizens can be doing now to help, Becker stated call your legislators. He specifically named Derick Van Orden, and Patrick Testin as individuals he recommended to contact about HWY 10. Malouf echoed that sentiment, and added his own encouragement to contact your government officials. Stressing the fact that they are elected to serve us and our community first.

2025 Polar Plunge

The group then discussed the upcoming Polar Plunge. The yearly event raises funds for Special Olympics, and features a handful of Wood County Sheriff’s Department officers this year. Dean is one of them, and he encouraged listeners to donate because this is a great cause. For more information on the February 1st Polar Plunge in Wisconsin Rapids visit their website here.

K9 Unit

The conversation closed with a thank you from Sheriff Becker. He praised repeated donations that have been made to the K9 unit. He appreciates that they have not had to make attempts to raise money for the K9 Unit for some time thanks to those donors. The Wood County Sheriff’s office is fortunate enough to have an explosive detecting K9 Officer. That officer, and his handler, have been called to serve at professional sporting events, and other high profile events around the state.

To listen to the second half of this interview you can do so here.

For more information on Sheriff Becker you can visit the Wood County Sheriff’s Department website here.

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