Captain Darren Hodak seeks appointment as Barron County sheriff; outgoing sheriff offers public endorsement

Captain Darren Hodak told the Barron County Board of Supervisors on May 19 that he is applying for appointment to fill the county sheriff vacancy.

Hodak, introduced as a captain with the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, said he was hired in February 2008, was promoted to patrol sergeant after six years and was promoted to captain in February 2023. “I’m here to let you know that I’m applying applying for appointment to the position of sheriff,” he said, adding his goal is to “keep the ship going right now” and avoid major changes to department operations.

Outgoing Sheriff Fitzgerald, who said he served 17 years, addressed the board and described his departure as a “perfect opportunity to leave,” denying rumors about illness or scandal. “We plan on making it well known that captain Hodak is the logical and, best choice to to be, to fill the shoes of sheriff,” Fitzgerald said, adding he and other department leaders will support Hodak’s appointment.

Hodak described his priorities as maintaining operational continuity and ensuring deputies, dispatchers and jail staff return home safely at the end of shifts. He noted his military service in Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 to February 2004 and said he will submit recommendation letters to the governor and that supporters should reference his name when contacted.

No formal appointment or vote occurred at the county board meeting. Hodak said he will submit materials to the governor’s office and encouraged supervisors to respond to any governor’s inquiries about his candidacy.

The exchange took place during the “special matters” portion of the May 19 meeting and followed ceremonial items; Hodak’s remarks were public and no closed-session personnel action was taken at the board meeting.