Sauk County Sheriff Candidate: Matthew Tate

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Sauk County is home to Sergeant Matthew Tate, who has devoted his life to ensuring public safety through effective law enforcement. 

Sergeant Tate has built his career on one fundamental principle: doing the job right to earn the trust of the community every day. He has served Sauk County and various communities across Wisconsin with a dedication to public safety, accountability, and measurable results. 

Currently, as a Patrol Sergeant with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Tate leads deputies, oversees daily operations, and guarantees that law enforcement services are executed with professionalism and efficiency. His leadership is hands-on, disciplined, and aimed at establishing high standards for both performance and conduct. 

Throughout his career, Tate has ascended through the ranks, taking on key leadership roles such as Field Training Officer, Emergency Vehicle Operation and Control Instructor, Vehicle Contacts Instructor, and Detective Sergeant. 

In his role as a Detective Sergeant, he spearheaded complex investigations that helped remove criminals from the streets, ensured proper evidence handling, prepared cases for prosecution, and trained the next generation of deputies, all while maintaining a keen understanding of the realities faced by law enforcement and the responsibilities inherent in leadership. 

Additionally, Tate served as a Certified Advanced K-9 Handler and spent nearly a decade advancing K-9 programs. His experience was instrumental in tracking down suspects and apprehending drug dealers, directly contributing to the safety of communities. Managing a K-9 program involves much more than handling a dog; it requires disciplined training standards, policy enforcement, equipment management, budgeting, and risk oversight. These experiences have helped shape Tate’s leadership style—disciplined, detail-oriented, and focused on sustainable success. 

Beyond his law enforcement career, Matt Tate has also been a driver education instructor and substitute teacher, fostering strong community engagement with young people. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology and is a proud graduate of River Valley High School in Spring Green. 

In his personal life, Sergeant Tate enjoys spending time with his wife, Bethany, and their five dogs, including his retired K-9 partner, Jennings. An avid outdoorsman, he loves exploring the scenic Driftless region of Sauk County. Furthermore, he serves on the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler Association (WLECHA) Board, furthering his commitment to law enforcement excellence. 

Sergeant Matt Tate is running for Sheriff to lead from the front, support his deputies, and bring experience-driven, accountable leadership to the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office. He is devoted to professionalism, setting clear expectations, and consistently performing his duties the right way—every time.

With experience that citizens and deputies can trust.