Sawyer County sheriff honors dispatcher, deputies and a resident in December homicide response

Sheriff Doug Mrozek recognized county employees and a citizen for their roles in the investigation and arrest following a December 30 homicide, praising quick action by dispatch and deputies.

Mrozek presented letters of accommodation to dispatcher Amber Elcomb and deputies JT Wouling and Nate Fry, and a letter of recognition to motel owner Dale Magnuson for reporting a sighting that led deputies to a vehicle stop and custody of a suspect. "Amber's calmness in a moment of someone else's chaos was a true example of professionalism," Mrozek said, noting Elcomb stayed on the call for 1 hour and 7 minutes and helped coordinate law enforcement and EMS amid bad weather.

Mrozek described a coordinated detective response that included search warrants and work with a mobile state crime lab and the Wisconsin State Patrol mapping division. He said detectives worked long hours collecting and analyzing forensic evidence that helped confirm the suspect's involvement, and that the detectives continue to assist the Sawyer County District Attorney's Office with prosecution efforts. The sheriff also presented a letter of exceptional service to Chief Brian Dale for his 11 years as lead criminal detective and contribution to resolving multiple homicide and death investigations.

The remarks emphasized multiagency cooperation, the challenges of winter weather during the initial response, and the role of citizen reporting in locating a suspect. The sheriff thanked the individuals recognized and said the investigative work provided answers to a grieving family and the broader community.

Detectives, Mrozek said, will continue providing evidence and testimony to support prosecution. No court dates or charges beyond those described in the presentation were detailed during the meeting.