Deputy Warren Tuttle Announces Candidacy For Washburn County Sheriff

SHELL LAKE, WI — Deputy Warren Tuttle, a 19-year law enforcement veteran with deep roots in Washburn County, has announced his candidacy for Sheriff in the November 3, 2026 election. Tuttle filed his Declaration of Candidacy on July 25, 2025.

Tuttle’s decision to run is driven by a commitment to visible, accountable, and community-focused leadership.

“Being Sheriff is more than a job—it’s about being fully present, engaged, and accessible to the people you serve,” Tuttle said. “I want to strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and every resident in Washburn County, ensuring public safety is delivered with integrity, transparency, and respect.”

Tuttle plans to focus on several key priorities as Sheriff:

Building trust with the community through active participation in events, quarterly leadership meetings with local police chiefs, and timely press releases and updates about significant calls or situations, keeping residents informed and confident in public safety.
Combating drug and alcohol abuse by working closely with the county’s prevention team, supporting educational programming in schools, and coordinating inter-county enforcement efforts.
Supporting and developing deputies by mentoring future leaders, identifying specialized succession roles, and providing individualized training opportunities to strengthen the Sheriff’s Office from within.
Pragmatic approach to a possible jail project and fiscal responsibility. Tuttle understands the community’s concerns about cost and necessity. The decision to build a jail ultimately rests with the County Board, not the Sheriff. While a new jail may be needed in the future, it is important to continue exploring the best plan moving forward. Any consideration of a jail should involve careful planning, evaluation of all options, fiscal impact, and community input. Tuttle’s goal is to keep residents informed, ensure efficient resource allocation, and make every decision transparently in the public’s best interest.

Tuttle began his law enforcement career in 2003, completing his training at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Police Academy in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Before joining the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office in 2014, he served as a patrol sergeant for the St. Croix Tribal Police Department, overseeing the daily operations of 12 officers.

At the Sheriff’s Office, Tuttle’s responsibilities extend beyond daily patrol duties. He serves as a field training officer, emergency vehicle operations instructor, vehicle contacts instructor, and a licensed drone pilot. He has contributed to department policy reviews, coordinated deputy scheduling, and helped prepare deputies for specialized roles. In 2018, Tuttle graduated from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) program, a nationally recognized training program emphasizing modern leadership and behavioral science in law enforcement.

A Shell Lake resident for the past 17 years, Tuttle and his wife Megan are deeply involved in the community. He serves as president of the Lakeland Family Resource Center Board of Directors and is a board member of the Shell Lake Lions Club.

“I am running to ensure Washburn County has a Sheriff who is present, accountable, and committed to the community every single day,” Tuttle said. “Residents deserve clear communication, trust in their public safety, and a Sheriff who prioritizes integrity, engagement, and practical solutions in every decision.”

Tuttle encourages residents to reach out and share their ideas and concerns as the campaign progresses. The primary election will take place on August 11, 2026.

Contact Information