Local Sheriff's Department awarded grant for community social worker initiative

The Wisconsin Rapids government meeting held on July 2, 2025, featured Sheriff Shawn Becker discussing significant developments within the Wood County Sheriff's Department, particularly regarding a new grant aimed at enhancing mental health services in the community.

Sheriff Becker opened the discussion by acknowledging the collaborative efforts between the sheriff's department and the local Office of Community Development (OCD) on a grant initiative. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with community stakeholders, particularly in the realm of mental health services. The sheriff expressed his long-standing vision of integrating social work into law enforcement, highlighting the need for a strong connection between law enforcement and social services.

The meeting revealed that the sheriff's department has been awarded a three-year deflection grant from the state, which will fund the hiring of a social worker to work alongside the department. This initiative aims to improve responses to welfare checks and other community needs by providing specialized support that complements law enforcement efforts. Sheriff Becker noted that the addition of a social worker would allow deputies to focus more on their primary duties while ensuring that individuals in crisis receive appropriate assistance.

Becker also mentioned the successful collaboration with the Family Health Center in Marshfield, which has previously helped the department secure other grants. He expressed gratitude for the support from his team, including Chief Deputy Quintin Ellis, who played a crucial role in the grant application process.

The sheriff concluded by expressing optimism about the program's potential impact on the community, citing the positive outcomes from previous mental health initiatives. He indicated that the integration of social work into the sheriff's department is a step towards a more holistic approach to public safety and community well-being.

Overall, the meeting underscored the sheriff's commitment to enhancing mental health resources and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and community services, marking a progressive step in addressing mental health challenges in Wood County.