STEVENS POINT − After 32 years serving Portage County residents in law enforcement, Sheriff Mike Lukas announced April 6 he will not run for reelection.
“Serving Portage County for 32 years and as your sheriff for the past almost 12 years has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” Lukas said in a prepared statement. “Watching the men and women of the sheriff’s office put their lives on the line, show up to work during the most unpleasant of times, deal with the most difficult situations with me knowing each will do this with professionalism, compassion and courage, I am so proud of every member of the sheriff’s office.”
Lukas said he feels that now is the time to step aside and let new leadership carry the torch forward. He will be endorsing Portage County Sheriff’s Capt. Joshua Ostrowski for the next Portage County sheriff. Ostrowski has been under sheriff and has a firm grip on the jail and sheriff’s office project. He also has learned all aspects of the sheriff’s office, Lukas said in the statement.
Lukas will serve to the end of his current term with “commitment, integrity and pride for the community.” His term ends in January. The election for the new sheriff will be in November.
“Thank you for trusting me for the past 12 years as your sheriff,” Lukas said. “Your support, input and confidence have been humbling.”
Contact Karen Madden kmadden@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Portage County Sheriff Mike Lukas announces he won’t seek reelection
Reporting by Karen Madden, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
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