Meet Matt Tate

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Born and raised in Sauk County, Sergeant Matt Tate has dedicated his life to public safety. 

Sergeant Tate has built his career on one principle: do the job right and earn the public’s trust every day. He has served Sauk County and communities across Wisconsin with a clear focus on public safety, accountability, and results. 

Tate currently serves as a Patrol Sergeant with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, where he leads deputies, oversees daily operations, and ensures law enforcement services are carried out professionally and effectively. His leadership is hands-on, disciplined, and focused on setting a high standard for performance and conduct.

Over the course of his career, Tate has worked his way through the ranks and taken on critical leadership roles, including Field Training Officer, Emergency Vehicle Operation and Control Instructor, Vehicle Contacts Instructor, and Detective Sergeant. 

As a Detective Sergeant, he led complex investigations that removed criminals from the streets, ensured evidence was handled properly, prepared cases for prosecution, and trained the next generation of deputies. He understands both the front-line realities of the job and the responsibility that comes with leadership.

Tate also served as a Certified Advanced K-9 Handler and spent nearly a decade working in and helping lead K-9 programs.  He used that experience to help track down suspects and take criminals and drug dealers off the streets, playing a direct role in keeping communities safe. Running a K-9 program requires more than handling a dog—it demands strict training standards, policy enforcement, equipment oversight, budgeting, and risk management. That experience reinforced Tate’s leadership style: disciplined, detail-oriented, and focused on long-term success.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Tate has worked as a driver education instructor and substitute teacher, building strong connections with young people in the community. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology and is a graduate of River Valley High School in Spring Green.

Outside of work, Tate spends time with his wife, Bethany, and their five dogs, including his retired K-9 partner, Jennings. He is an avid outdoorsman who values time spent in the beautiful Driftless region of Sauk County. Tate also serves on the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler Association (WLECHA) Board. 

Sergeant Tate is running for Sheriff to lead from the front, support his deputies, and bring experienced, accountable leadership to the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office. He believes in professionalism, clear expectations, and doing the job the right way—every time.

Experience that citizens and deputies can trust.