Iron County, WI Sheriff's Office

10/30/2026

Sharing Halloween area activities.
Trick or treat hours in Hurley are on Saturday from 3pm-6pm.
Trick or treat hours in Montreal are on Saturday from 4pm -7pm.

No tricks, just two days of treats! 🎃

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

Deputies were training this evening in traffic stop scenarios using newly purchased simunition guns. These are actual handguns with a modified barrel to only allow a paintball-style round to be chambered. Scenarios were designed on real life calls and challenged their verbal skills, approach tactics and communication skills.

They also trained in live fire, low light shooting. They utilized flashlights and weapon-mounted lights. Deputies wore their patrol gloves to improve dexterity while wearing gloves.

This training was proctored by certified law enforcement trainers Deputy Hodgdon and Sergeant Wozniak. Chief Deputy Randall, Deputy Baker and Deputy Kirtland are also department trainers.

These deputies are certified in fi****ms, emergency vehicle operations, tactical scenarios and Taser.

Deputies train several times a year on various topics to keep up to date on case law involving the use of force, best practices and decision-making.

Chief Deputy Randall

10/26/2026

We remember the service of retired Deputy Joe Robinson to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office. He sadly passed away on September 9th, 2026. Sheriff’s Office staff was able to attend his funeral. His family shared this photograph and asked that we share it.

https://www.mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com/obituaries/allan-robinson

10/12/2026

At approximately 6:30 AM this morning Iron County Dispatch was advised of a wildland fire on Old Hwy 51 near US 51 in the Town of Oma.

A deputy arrived within minutes and was able to contain the fire with a fire extinguisher.

The Oma Fire Department and Mercer DNR Fire responded and were able to extinguish the fire.

The fire was approximately 30’x40’ in area.

DNR officials believe it was a passing vehicle or equipment that likely started the fire.

10/11/2026

Have a safe weekend!

Sign Master Paul had a little run in with the sheriff department.

All in good fun of course! We hope everyone enjoyed pumpkin run this year.

10/09/2026

Update:
We have confirmed that the same threatening call was received by multiple school districts in Wisconsin this morning. The investigation is ongoing. At approximately 10:30 a.m. October 09, 2026 the Hurley School received a threatening phone call and immediately notified law enforcement and implemented a Code Yellow. Officers from Hurley Police and the Iron County Sheriff’s Office responded and immediately began a search of the school and investigated the report. Based on our assessment of the call and a thorough search of the school and grounds, we determined the threat was not credible. The code yellow was lifted and classes resumed at 11:40 a.m. with additional safety precautions in place. The incident remains under investigation. Parents may notice a police presence around the school when picking up students at the end of the day, but we believe there is no threat to safety at this time.
Sheriff Paul Samardich Chief Justin Colassaco

October 9, 2026 ~ Around 10:30 a.m. today, the school received a threatening call. We immediately notified the police, and the school went into a Code Yellow. Many officers arrived, thoroughly inspected the school, and ensured everyone remained safe. After reviewing all of the details and thoroughly searching the school, Hurley Police and Iron County Sheriff's Department officers believed the threat was not credible. At 11:40 a.m., all classes resumed with additional safeguards in place as an added precaution.
The Hurley School would like to extend a gracious thank you to all officers for their quick response and for helping ensure the safety of our students and staff.

10/03/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of the Wisconsin State Patrol, the family of Trooper Ritger, and the entire law enforcement community during this incredibly difficult time.

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Stop down at the Hurley City Hall this afternoon.