EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP
Meet Don
A Lifetime of Service to Polk County
Don Burrows is a lifelong Polk County resident who has dedicated nearly three decades to public safety and community service. Raised in Osceola, Wisconsin, Don understands the values, expectations, and responsibilities that come with serving a close‑knit community.
Since beginning his law enforcement career in 1997, Don has built a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and steady leadership. For the past 18 years, he has served the people of Polk County—working directly within the Sheriff’s Office and gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing local law enforcement today.
Experience Built From the Ground Up
Don’s career spans nearly every aspect of modern law enforcement. He has served in patrol, investigations, supervision, training, and administration, gaining the practical experience necessary to lead effectively.
In 2007, Don joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he has held a wide range of leadership positions, including:
Field Training Officer
Union President and Union Treasurer
Investigator
Patrol Sergeant
Chief Deputy Sheriff
As Chief Deputy, Don oversees Patrol, Corrections, Communications, Administration, and Emergency Management. His current role places him at the center of day‑to‑day operations and long‑term planning—making him directly accountable for the performance and readiness of the Sheriff’s Office.
This depth of experience ensures continuity, stability, and informed decision‑making from day one.
Education and Professional Leadership
Don holds an associate degree in Police Science from Chippewa Valley Technical College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. His educational background supports a balanced approach to law enforcement—emphasizing sound judgment, communication, and understanding human behavior.
Committed to professional development, Don has completed advanced leadership programs including First Line Leadership, Leadership in Police Organizations, and Command College, where he earned certification as a Certified Public Manager through the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In addition, Don has served on the boards of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association and the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association, working with law enforcement leaders across the state to strengthen standards, training, and accountability.
View Don Burrows’ full professional credentials and training →
Community, Family, and Values
Don Burrows’ commitment to public service is rooted in family, community, and a strong sense of responsibility to others. He and his wife of nearly 25 years have spent their lives building a home and raising their family in Wisconsin—sharing the same priorities and concerns as the people Don has served throughout his career.
They raised two children who are now adults. Their son works for the City of Woodbury, contributing to public service in his own professional role. Their daughter will be graduating from Harvard, reflecting values Don and his wife have long emphasized: hard work, discipline, and accountability.
Those values guide Don’s approach to leadership and decision‑making. He believes strong communities rely on steady institutions, good judgment, and people willing to take responsibility for others.
Outside of work, Don has given back by serving as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and by supporting local organizations such as Standing Cedars Conservancy. For Don, leadership has never been about recognition—it’s about doing the work, honoring commitments, and leaving things better than he found them.
A Steady Hand for Polk County
“As Sheriff, my focus will be simple and unwavering: to keep Polk County safe, support the men and women who serve, maintain the public’s trust, and use taxpayer resources responsibly.
I’m running not for recognition, but out of commitment—to the people, the profession, and the place I call home.”
Contact Don
Don welcomes questions, feedback, and conversations with members of the community. If you have a concern, would like more information about the campaign, or want to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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