Two new deputies join Sheriff’s Office
By Brandi Makuski
The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office has two new faces among its ranks.
During its first public swearing-in ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Sheriff Mike Lukas invited several department members into the training room of the Portage Co. Law Enforcement Center on Monday to help welcome the new hires.
Jacob McCabe, 22, and 23-year-old Kole Kaster were sworn in as patrol deputies during the joint ceremony on May 18.
Lukas had a fatherly talk with both men prior to the ceremony, reminding both of the department’s “high standard.”
“I’m going to hold you to that, and the community is going to hold you to that,” Lukas told them. “You really need to concentrate on your in-field training, and think about that when you’re out and about with your friends having fun, and the consequence of your actions.”
McCabe is a native of Elk Grove Village, Ill., who attended UW-Stevens Point for conservation law enforcement and has previously worked for UWSP security. He opportunity to work for the sheriff’s office “Intriguing, and I’d like to make it my home.”
Kaster is a SPASH graduate who studied criminal justice at Fox Valley Tech and Mid-State.
“I wanted to stay close to home, and after all the research I did on the sheriff’s office, I liked what they had to offer,” Kaster said.
Lukas maintained social distancing during the ceremony and instructed everyone to use hand sanitizer following post-swearing-in handshakes.
“Portage County holds us to a higher standard, and of course, they should,” Lukas said during the ceremony. “I look forward to watching your progress in your careers in serving Portage County.”