Posted Friday, February 8, 2013 --- 3:00 p.m.

Press Release from the Dodge Co. Sheriff:

Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls has announced his retirement effective March 8, 2013. Nehls began his law enforcement career with the Department of Corrections in 1979 and hired by the Dodge County Sheriffs Dept. in 1987. Nehls worked his way up from Traffic Patrolman, serving as the day shift Corporal, second shift Lieutenant and then elected to the Sheriffs position in 2002.

“I have been blessed to serve my community and county for 34 years. I am so very proud of the Sheriffs Dept. and the people we have, all are top notch. It has been a tremendous journey as we transitioned a dated department into a state of the art, professional force,” stated Sheriff Nehls.

In 2002 Nehls’ campaign platform included the integration of technology into the department, equipment modernization, traffic safety, consolidated E911, and centralized records. “I am so proud of the department as we transformed the department to such an effective performance based organization. The staff and employees are the best of the best. With the recent approval of the centralized records I can say I delivered on every promise I made,” stated Nehls. Other significant achievements under Nehls include three volunteer groups, the Posse, the Dodge County Emergency Response Team and the Dodge County Explorers, Inmate Work Programs, Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Unit, as well as the K9 Program.

Over the past ten years, Dodge County has also seen fatalities reduced by 50%, a reduction of both violent and property crimes and an increase in the crime solving rates.

“The decision has been the toughest of my life. I made it last Thanksgiving at the dinner table with my family. We talked about family vacations and realized we had just two in 24 years of marriage. I have a son who is a senior in college playing baseball and I’ve seen just 12 games. My wife and I have grandchildren who truly help direct you to what should be important in ones life,” stated Nehls.

Nehls also serves as a Colonel in Wisconsin National Guard and will retire form that assignment sometime this summer after 35 years of service.

Nehls stated he will remain active and expand his work in the Nehls Realty office.