Portage County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new deputy

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — Portage County Sheriff Mike Lukas swore in new deputy Samantha Ritter during a brief ceremony at the sheriff’s office on Jan. 6.

Lukas emphasized the importance of family support in law enforcement.

“We’re very excited to see the family,” Lukas said, motioning to Ritter’s family members in the audience. “Law enforcement is not successful without the support of family and significant others. This is the second family here, as you can see, and everybody’s excited to get us fully staffed and have you join us.”

Ritter, 25, originally from Prescott, Wis., comes to Portage County with experience as a former police officer for the city of Delafield. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in resource management and conservation law enforcement.

“I wanted to move back to this area,” Ritter said. “It’s kind of rural, but you also get a little bit of everything here. I’ve heard really good things about this department, so I’m very excited.”

Lukas invited Ritter’s mother to pin the badge on her daughter’s uniform after administering the oath of office. Ritter will now undergo field training before officially joining the sheriff’s team.

Ritter said she moved to the area with her boyfriend, who works for the Wisconsin State Patrol.

“This is a gorgeous area,” she said, “and I’m excited to be part of the sheriff’s office.”