Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker outlined several department updates in a recent County Connections interview, covering crisis response, hiring and support for first responders.
Through a partnership with NAMI, each squad car will carry a crisis safety kit with items such as gun locks and medication lockboxes, along with information about available resources. Becker credited mental health investigator Alicia Brundage with helping coordinate the effort, and said residents can also contact the department to request a gun lock.
The department has completed its 15th Crisis Intervention Team training class, with another class tentatively expected in May 2027. Becker also discussed the expanded chaplain program, employee wellness, and a planned facility in Iowa County intended to help first responders facing mental health challenges.
For hiring, interviews with 10 candidates for three openings are scheduled for Oct. 29 and 30. The goal is to hire two deputies in early November and another in early January, followed by a 12-week field training program.
Becker also noted training by current staff, a recently installed baby box at the Wisconsin Rapids fire station, and October recognition patches for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and he closed with a Halloween safety reminder for drivers and parents.
