For the Antigo Times

(Official Press Release from Governor Scott Walker’s Office)

MADISON, WI – Governor Scott Walker announced today the appointment of Sergeant Mark Westen as the new Langlade County Sheriff, replacing Sheriff Bill Greening, who resigned in late December, 2016.

“Sergeant Westen’s career within the Langlade County Sheriff’s Office has been distinguished,” Governor Walker said. “He is a dedicated law enforcement officer, bringing extensive experience in training, emergency response, and public safety. Without a doubt, his concern for the safety and betterment of Langlade will enhance his leadership as Langlade County Sheriff.”

Westen, a resident of Antigo, Wisconsin, holds over 23 years of law enforcement experience, 22 of which have been in the Langlade County Sheriff’s Office. Westen served as Sergeant under two sheriff administrations prior to assuming this position.

During his tenure in the Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Westen has worked as the Patrol Sergeant, SWAT Team Leader, and Firearms Instructor. Prior to his experience in Langlade County, Westen served as a Patrol Officer for the Antigo Police Department and as a Deputy for the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office. Westen received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated Basic Recruitment Academy from Western Wisconsin Technical College.

“In Mark’s role as the head of our Special Response Team, I have observed his ability to be a highly effective leader who has repeatedly shown the ability to maintain calm, effective leadership under oftentimes extremely stressful situations,” said former Sheriff Bill Greening of Langlade County. “Mark is well-respected by the law enforcement officers he works with and supervises as well as the other law enforcement officers he has worked with throughout the state.”

Westen serves on a number of different community boards including Vice-President of the Antigo Gridiron Club, Antigo Elks Lodge, and Langlade County Emergency Action Planning Committee. Westen also volunteers his time as the football coach at Antigo High School, and as a volunteer Ski Patrol at Kettlebowl Ski Hill in Langlade County.

“I know Sergeant Westen has had a career goal to run for the position of Sheriff and be elected to that position and has spent his career prepping himself to be a Sheriff and a leader,” said current Chief of Police, Eric Roller of the Antigo Police Department. “I believe that Sergeant Westen would be a great person to lead the Langlade County Sheriff’s Department into the future.”