Office of Governor Tony Evers *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:* November 24, 2025 Contact: [email protected]    *Gov. Evers Appoints Gerard Ritter as Vilas County Sheriff*   MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today appointed Gerard Ritter as Vilas County Sheriff. The appointment fills a vacancy being created by Sheriff Joseph A. Fath’s retirement. Ritter will complete the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2027.

“With decades of experience in law enforcement in Vilas County, Gerard Ritter has built strong relationships in the community and has a vision to move the office forward,” said Gov. Evers. “He will be a great sheriff for the people of Vilas County.”

Ritter has been a law enforcement officer since 1998 and joined the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office in 2001. Since 2017, he has served as the administrative patrol captain, where he developed a strong working knowledge of the department’s operations, budget, and capital projects. During his time with the department, he created a citizens academy to strengthen community partnerships and has actively supported the readiness for recovery program in the county jail, which is aimed at addressing alcohol and substance abuse.

“Without question, Gerard Ritter is highly qualified for the job,” said Tribal President John Johnson of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. “He has always worked hard to protect the citizens of Vilas County, including those living on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation. His work ethic, investigative skills, and administrative abilities are second to none. He has the unique ability to maintain focus on the job at hand, while still seeing the ‘big picture’. He is a tremendous asset to us all. He is a highly dedicated public servant who treats everyone fairly and with respect, and is highly respected by the general public and the law enforcement community.”

Ritter lives in St. Germain and is active in the community. Outside of law enforcement, he has co-coordinated the fall recreational soccer program in St. Germain for 13 years and created a “Reading Heroes” program to encourage elementary school students to read more.

“I am honored to accept the appointment of Vilas County Sheriff by Gov. Evers,” said Ritter. “I have protected and served community members of Vilas County for the past 24 years and look forward to continuing to do so in my new role as sheriff. I strongly believe in ‘servant leadership’ and will continue to build stronger bonds with the community and local law enforcement agencies.”

A photo of Ritter is available here [ [link removed] ].   An online version of this release is available here [ [link removed] ]. ###

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