MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on Mar 7th, appointed Phil Grassmann as Rusk County Sheriff. The appointment fills a vacancy being created by Sheriff Jeffery Wallace’s retirement. Grassmann will complete the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2027.

“With more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement in the Rusk County community, including the past 10 years as the chief deputy, Phil Grassmann has shown his dedication and commitment to serving his community, ” said Gov. Evers.

Grassmann has served as a deputy with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office since 2004 and has been the chief deputy since 2015. As chief deputy, he has experience managing investigations, leading patrol and jail/dispatch operations, and supervising personnel within the office. He is also currently the interim jail captain. In addition to his experience with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, he was a deputy warden from 2007 to 2016 for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in Ladysmith.

“During his time with our department, Phil Grassmann has proven his dedication and hard work time and time again,” said retiring Rusk County Sheriff Jeffery Wallace. “When he was appointed as my chief deputy in 2015, I knew he was the best man for the job—his continued leadership and communication skills have proven that to be true. I look forward to continue seeing Phil in a leadership role and anticipate many great things for the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department during Phil’s time as sheriff.”

Grassmann is a lifelong resident of Northwestern Wisconsin and earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Chippewa Valley Technical College. Since 2023, he has also served as a supervisor of the town of Strickland.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust placed in me to serve as sheriff,” said Grassmann. “With unwavering dedication, I accept this responsibility, committed to protecting and serving our community with integrity, transparency, and compassion.”

A photo of Grassmann is available here.