I'm Don Vandervest, and I'm running for Racine County Sheriff. With 27 years of law enforcement experience in jail operations, patrol, investigations, narcotics, and community policing, courts, I will bring integrity, accountability, and proven leadership to the Sheriff's Office.
27 years serving in law enforcement, including 24 years with the Racine County Sheriff’s Office.
Began career with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office and Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.
Served in the Racine County Jail, Patrol division, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Metro Drug and as a Field Training Officer.
Worked as a Community Policing Officer serving the Village of Rochester.
Currently serves Racine County in courthouse security after returning from federal assignment.
Criminal Investigator handling death investigations, sexual assault, burglary, fraud, and major criminal cases.
Member of the Racine County Fire Task Force investigating suspicious fires.
Undercover investigator with the Racine County Metro Drug Unit.
Assigned as a DEA Task Force Officer conducting major narcotics investigations.
Participated in multi-agency operations resulting in seizures of drugs, weapons, and illegal proceeds.
Trained and mentored new deputies as a Field Training Officer.
Helped develop future investigators and detectives within the Sheriff’s Office.
Received multiple commendations, unit citations, and awards during his career.
Earned the Metro Drug Unit Exemplary Officer Award, couple Unit Citations, Award of Excellence and Certificate of Commendation.
Received a DEA Letter of Appreciation in 2025 and emphasizes integrity, accountability, and experience as the foundation of my campaign.
On June 8th, I took the step of requesting my complete personnel file from the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. I do this in the spirit of total transparency, and I encourage open comparison because I have nothing to hide. I am launching my campaign for Sheriff of Racine County because I know we can do better, and true leadership begins with absolute accountability. I believe a Sheriff must embody integrity, honesty, and deep operational experience. As you get to know me, my background, and my work history, I am confident you will see that these three traits define who I am.
My journey in service began right here in Wisconsin. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1996 with a degree in Social Welfare, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Psychology, I knew my calling was in law enforcement. I began my career with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office in 1999, gaining vital early experience as a Jail Training Officer, CERT team member and Fire and Safety Officer. By 2002, I transitioned to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, graduating with Academy Class 73 and hitting the pavement on third-shift interstate patrol.
But on April 22, 2002, I found my true professional home when I was hired by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office.
Like everyone starting out during that era, my journey here began in the jail. Working as a jailer is a profound lesson in humanity; it taught me early on that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.
By January 2009, I moved to third-shift patrol in Racine County, later becoming a Field Training Officer. It was a privilege to help shape and mentor some of the finest men and women currently wearing our uniform.
Over the last two decades, I have sought out diverse roles to fully understand every facet of public safety:
• Community-Focused Policing: In 2011, I was promoted to a COPS position, serving as the contract squad for the Village of Rochester, where I focused heavily on community-oriented policing.
• Investigative Depth: In 2012, I joined the Criminal Investigative Bureau as an Investigator. For years, I handled complex and sensitive cases—ranging from homicides and sexual assaults to burglaries and financial fraud—while training the next generation of detectives. Concurrently, I served on the Racine County Fire Task Force from 2012 to 2021, investigating fires across the county.
• Specialized Narcotics Enforcement: In 2019, I was assigned to the Racine County Metro Drug Unit, conducting complex undercover operations. During my tenure, I became the only agent in the unit's history to receive formal recognition three consecutive years, including an Exemplary Officer of the Year award.
•Federal Task Force Leadership: In January 2024, I was assigned to the DEA in Milwaukee as a Task Force Officer. This role involved major multi-agency investigations resulting in the significant seizure of illegal narcotics, weapons, and illicit funds. In 2025, I was humbled to receive a DEA Letter of Appreciation for locating a suspect vehicle at night and uncovering 13 kilograms of concealed narcotics.
This past January, I returned to Racine County, where I currently serve our community in courthouse security.
Throughout my 27 years behind the badge, my dedication has been recognized through several commendations, though the true reward has always been the safety of our neighborhoods:
• 2002: Certificate of Commendation
• 2015: Command Challenge Coin (“You are a credit to your profession and your actions reflect an unwavering dedication to the highest ideals of Law Enforcement.”)
• 2018 & 2021: Unit Citations (Investigator and Metro Drug)
• 2022: Exemplary Officer Award (Metro Drug)
• 2023: Award of Excellence (Metro Drug)
• 2025: DEA Letter of Appreciation (Task Force Officer)
I am not running on empty promises; I am running on a proven track record of diverse, hard-earned law enforcement experience right here in our community. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting you, listening to your concerns, and earning your trust.
Together, we can do better.
Don Vandervest