Victor American Legion honors Iowa County deputy

VICTOR — Iowa County Deputy Dave Wiebold had never heard of the Officer of the Year award he was given by Victor American Legion Post 54 and American Legion Auxiliary in December.

Wiebold was invited to the Legion’s Christmas celebration where he was given a certificate of commendation in appreciation of law enforcement benefiting the community,

“I had my family there. It was a good time,” Wiebold said.

An officer with Iowa County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years, Wiebold grew up in Williamsburg. He had no plan to enter law enforcement.

A year out of high school, Wiebold joined the United States Marines, entering through the buddy program with a cousin.

Wiebold served in Iraq and Korea, he said, and left after four years of service.

Wiebold lived in Fairfield and worked at a factory for a while, but he couldn’t see himself doing that for the rest of his life, so he began looking into other jobs. He thought he’d like to try law enforcement, but Fairfield’s police department wasn’t hiring.

When Wiebold and his family returned to Iowa County, he applied for a dispatch job and was hired in jail transport. He made his way to reserve officer before finally being hired full-time.

“I’m happy here,” said Wiebold. He’s currently the firearms instructor for the county, he said, and he’s recently been conducting a lot of sex offender compliance checks.

Law enforcement fits in with his military experience, said Wiebold, and it’s a satisfying career. “I get to help the community where I grew up.”

Roger Hopwood, adjutant with Victor American Legion, said it’s been several years since the Victor Legion has honored someone in law enforcement. Most recently the Legion has honored firefighters and emergency medical technicians, he said.

the ad hoc committee who chose to honor Wiebold thought he was an outstanding deputy, Hopwood said. Hopwood wasn’t in on the decision making this year.

Jessica Craig, a member of the Legion, works as a dispatcher and brought up Wiebold’s name for the award, Hopwood said. “He’s just an outstanding deputy. I had not met him until we presented him that award last month.”

Wiebold was also presented a Quilt of Valor made by members of the Legion and Auxiliarry, Hopwood said.

“I don’t believe I’m special, but apparently they did,” said Wiebold