Matt Joski. PC: Fox 11 Online
KEWAUNEE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After more than 20 years as the sheriff of Kewaunee County, Matt Joski is getting ready to retire.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, Joski announced he will leave the department at the completion of his term, which ends Jan. 5, 2027. He said the decision wasn’t an easy one to make.
You can read Joski’s full statement below:
This will likely be the most bittersweet article I have written thus far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide it through this platform. As I journey through my 20th year as your Sheriff, I want to announce my decision to retire at the completion of this term, which ends on January 5th, 2027. This has not been an easy decision to arrive at, and as always, I want to share some thoughts and considerations with you, the community that has supported me throughout the many years.
It seems like only yesterday that I was an energetic young man, full of optimism and hope, eager to serve my community, pursuing a role that both intimidated and excited me. It was my first introduction to politics, and I found myself supported by so many amazing people who believed in me probably more than I believed in myself. I was successful in that first election of 2006, knowing full well, that it may be my one and only term. I never imagined I would hold this office of trust for so many years, and it humbles me to this day.
I was surrounded then as I am surrounded now, by some of the most professional and caring public servants I have ever known. Through the years we have seen so many amazing men and women complete their career, while an entire new generation has pursued their calling to public service. This continuity in the family of professional and compassionate Deputies is to me, the greatest legacy I can leave. It has been and continues to be an honor to serve with each and every one of you.
As a community, we have been through many challenges. We have laughed, and cried together. We have navigated through challenges that have impacted us all, and through it all kept our sense of unity and dignity. I have done my best to lead when leadership was called for and to temper that leadership when humility and collaboration provided the best path forward. For in the end, this journey was not about me, but rather about us. Us as an Agency, and Us as a Community.
I wanted to share this announcement with you at this time, so that you will know what is in my heart, and to allow for those who intend to pursue this noble cause, to do so unhindered by speculation of my intentions. While I will not be endorsing anyone specifically at this time, I wish them each well, and ask that you, the community do your due diligence in the thorough examination of their character and competence. Regardless of who is on the ballot, they will each posses their own unique strengths as well as challenges. I will commit to doing my best to aid my successor in their transition, and to be there for them into the future as a resource.
I will leave this office next January, after 33 years of service to my community, a bit older, a bit wiser, but still full of optimism and energy for what the future holds. I am excited to embark upon my next chapter of life, without fear nor regret. I have upheld my oath, served with honor, and remained true to my values. I will leave with my soul intact, knowing full well that I may not have changed the world, but secure in the knowledge that the world did not change me.
In the meantime, I will continue to keep my foot on the throttle and continue to do my best in my capacity as your Sheriff, and to fulfill my obligations, until my successor raises their right hand and begins their service to this wonderful community.
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