St. Louis County Holds Badge Pinning for New Deputies, Promoted Staff

Sheriff Gordon Ramsay formally swore in nine new sheriff’s deputies at a badge-pinning ceremony held at the Duluth Public Safety Building, an event WDIO described as the largest group of new deputies sworn in at one time in 20 years. The Jan. 28 ceremony also recognized recent promotions, civilian hires across several divisions and the department’s newest K-9, Ollie.

WDIO reports that the nine deputies joining the Sheriff’s Office in 2025 are Peter Christiansen, Jordan Porter, Austin Wick, Kyle Cotrell, Dylan Helman, Michael Nordean, Bradley Wick, Matthew Woitel and Ethan Wolfe. The ceremony included the customary moment when new deputies were pinned by friends and family, underscoring the personal and community ties that often accompany recruitment into local public safety roles.

There is a discrepancy in counts for correctional officers sworn in at the event. The Original Report and Fox21Online stated that seven correctional officers were sworn in, while WDIO lists nine correctional officers by name. WDIO’s list includes Vincent Fourie, Nolan Wenner, Bobbie Hendricks, Jaaron Kamp, Autumn Khalar, Wayne Landasy, Seth Noll, Simone Pruette and Justine Reroma. The differing tallies are noted by county officials and local media as the roster is finalized.

The ceremony also recognized agency promotions and new civilian staff across divisions that support daily operations. WDIO named recent promotions including Emily Warnygora to Assistant Administrator - Emergency Support Services and Kayla Daugaard to Emergency Communications Center Supervisor. Deputies promoted within the last year include Kimberly Hanegmon to Deputy Sheriff - Lieutenant; Andrew Feiro and Zachary Peterson to Deputy Sheriff - Sergeant; and Kyle Chiaverini and Sean Clark to Deputy Sheriff - Investigator. Civilian hires were acknowledged across 911 Emergency Communications, Radio Maintenance, Court Security and support staff, reflecting investments beyond patrol and corrections.

Sheriff Ramsay highlighted the public service dimension of the work, noting the personal commitment behind the uniforms. “It’s exciting to see new faces bring new people on,” said Sheriff Gordon Ramsay. “I don’t think there’s a greater calling, right, whether it’s, you know, 911, or law enforcement, or in corrections, being able to serve your community and keep your family and friends and neighbors safe.”

Among human-interest moments, Fox21Online reported that Bradley Wick, a retired Duluth Police lieutenant with more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, returned from retirement to join the Sheriff’s Office and chose to serve alongside a nephew.

The additions come as the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office manages policing and corrections across a large geography that includes unincorporated areas and offices in Duluth, Virginia and Hibbing, with additional stations in Cook, Ely, Rice Lake and Mountain Iron. To contextualize recruitment, St. Louis County’s public job posting lists employee benefits such as up to 480 hours of paid parental leave, up to 80 hours for prenatal care and child care in the first year, 20 days of paid time off in year one, paid medical insurance and a defined benefit retirement plan that requires a 4 percent employee contribution with vesting after seven years.

For local residents, the ceremony signals increased capacity for patrol, jail operations and emergency communications, as new deputies, correctional officers and civilian staff begin on-the-ground duties. County officials and media outlets are finalizing rosters and details; readers can expect staffing updates and information about community outreach as the new hires are integrated into service.