September 14, 2021 – Washington Co., WI – After 33 years with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department Jeff “Ace” Schwitz is retiring.
In January 1985 Schwitz took advantage of a law enforcement program and by November 1985, was hired as a special deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
By June 13, 1988 Schwitz was full time. “Sheriff Clarence Schwartz hired me as a part-time deputy and hired me as a full-time deputy,” he said.
Over the years, Schwitz has seen pretty much everything. He’s been part of the SWAT team for 29 years and his favorite gig is working at the Washington County Fair.
Over the years Schwitz has worked for six Sheriffs including Clarence Schwartz, Bob Schulteis, Jack Theusch, Brian Rahn, Dale Schmidt, and Martin Schulteis.
“I’ve enjoyed working with him for almost 30 years,” said Sheriff Schulteis. “He’s a great guy wit big big shoes to fill. His retirement is certainly deserved.”
Schulteis said the reason Schwitz is so popular in the community and on the force is because he is so actively involved in different organizations.
“He’s involved in everything from the police, to the Moose Lodge, the American Legion, and different horseshoe clubs,” said Schulteis. “He’s just been very active in the community and Jeff will know somebody anywhere you go.”
Schwitz has many more volunteer opportunities under his belt including Sons of the American Legion, the Legion Riders, Shop with a Cop, West Bend Moose Lodge (Jeff ran a Sheepshead card league for 13 years), and the Spike Schmidt Motorcycle Ride.
“I’m really honored to be part of the Sons of the American Legion. We have brat fries and raise a lot of money and items to donate homeless veterans,” he said.
A career with the Sheriff’s Department has come with some risk. On December 12, 2008, Schwitz was struck on Highway 45 southbound while sitting in his squad by a semi traveling 65 miles an hour. “I could be dead, handicapped or disabled but God had plans for me,” said Jeff.
“I was transported to the hospital but I was back at work 10 days later. I had four staples in my head and I had an eye injury and to live through that is amazing.”
One unique thing about retirement is, Schwitz is not looking forward to it.
“I love going to work each day,” he said. “I go in early and stay late and my Sergeant will point at the clock and tell me it is time to go home.”
This afternoon, Schwitz will clock out for the last time.
Thank you to Deputy Schwitz for keeping the community safe.
