Law Enforcement Experience & Training
 

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My law enforcement experience started at a very young age. I was privileged to have a father whom dedicated over 30 years to the field of law enforcement. As Dodge County Sheriff for ten years, my father mentored not only his sons, but also a long list of great law enforcement officers. Always eager to learn, I spent countless hours with my father, even at a young age, gaining great insight into being “a cop.” In 1989, I made a commitment to myself that I would someday become Dodge County Sheriff and provide that same work ethic and mentorship as my father.

The field of Law Enforcement has changed drastically over the past 20 years and one must not only stay current with these changes but also provide the leadership and needed tools to subordinates, which will allow them to become successful. The foundation of success is experience, training, occupation diversity and education. I feel very strongly that the Sheriff needs an extensive background in all areas of responsibility within the department. I have gained extensive experience in many areas within the department. “One can not effectively lead unless you’ve been led.”

2003 – Present

Dodge County Sheriff – As your sheriff, I have led the department as it has undergone an extensive changes which have greatly enhanced our ability to serve you in a more efficient and effective manner. We have gone from a disjointed and ill prepared force to one others envy. From a department fielded with old and antiquated equipment to one equipped with the necessary tools which ensure safety and security for our employees. From 35 employees sharing one desk, one computer, to computers in all the squads, allowing for enhanced production and other costs savings measures. We have gone from working in a congested and unsafe environment to one employees are proud of as well as providing greater public access.

Since first being elected to the position of Dodge County Sheriff, citizens and organizations have recognized the tireless efforts of the leadership and employees of the department.
2004 National WeTip Sheriff of the Year for efforts to enhance crime prevention.
2005 NGAUS National Patrick Henry Award in recognition of efforts against the radical Westboro Baptist Church who protested a military funeral in Mayville in 2005. Sheriff/Colonel Todd Nehls worked hard, testified at the Capitol and was successful in getting legislation banning protests at funerals (WI Funeral Dignity Protection Act of 2005)
2005 The “Representative” Newsmaker of the Year
2006 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) WI Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
2008 National WeTip Sheriff of the Year for efforts in informing and educating the public and enhancing crime prevention efforts.
2008 Fond Du Lac Reporter Newsmaker of the Year in recognition for law enforcement accomplishments.
2008 Special recognition by WI Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen for sexual predator case.
2009 Wisconsin American Legion WI Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
2001 – 2003 Patrol Lieutenant, Dodge County Sheriff’s Department – Responsible for the supervision of Detectives, Patrol Sergeants, Patrol Corporals and Deputy Sheriff’s. Duties also include supervision of the Dodge County Detention Center in the absence of the Administrator. Review reports, schedules, monitor staffing, provide support to the Patrol Captain, conduct investigations into citizen complaints, attend staff meeting and make recommendations for improvements within the department.
1997-2002

Coordinator of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department Crash Investigation Team (CIT). Responsible for the activities of the CIT to include response to and extensive investigation of all motor vehicle accidents that has caused great bodily injury or fatalities, which may lead to criminal proceedings. Prepare extensive investigative reports, scale diagrams, and expert testimony in criminal and civil courts. Provide liaison to the families of victims, collect and preserve evidence as necessary.
1996-2002 Dodge County Sheriff’s Department Fleet Manager – Responsible for all vehicles in the Sheriff’s Department fleet, to include scheduled services, coordination of purchases, budgeting, equipment, and completion of extensive records that identify maintenance trends. Created software database to provide instant reports on all vehicles assigned. Make recommendations to the Patrol Captain in regards to changes.
1996 - 2001 Patrol Corporal, Dodge County Sheriff’s Department – As a mid-level supervisor, responsible for the supervision of Deputy Sheriff’s assigned to the Patrol Division, First Platoon, to include review of reports, scheduling, discipline, and training.
1998 Named Dodge County Executive Law Enforcement Association “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” for work and efforts as part of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department Crash Investigation Team. The Dodge County Executive Law Enforcement Association consists of county Police Chiefs. Law Enforcement managers and administrators
1988 – 1996 Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Division, Dodge County Sheriff’s Department – Responsible for enforcement of motor traffic laws and regulations, investigation of local, county and state crimes. Identify and collect evidence as necessary.
1993 Credited with finding a lost 2-year old boy who wondered away from his home in the Township of Shields. The young boy had been missing several hours this late afternoon in Fall. With serious weather approaching, I conducted a very fast paced search of a neighboring quarry and corn fields, located the crying youth approx. ½ mile away from his home in the center of the cornfield.
1988

Graduate of Fox Valley Technical Institute Law Enforcement Certification Course

  • Recognized as class “Top Shooter” with a qualification score of 816/820
  • Wrote highest score on the written State Certification exam.
  • Ranked 6/32 overall in graduating class
1979-1988 Correctional Officer for the State of Wisconsin – Responsibilities included the care and supervision of adult males in a maximum security institution, to include escort, transportation, discipline, adherence to policy and procedures.