Retention Program

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office has created a new program that will reward employees in their corrections and communications divisions who stay on with the department.

The program, an idea from Sheriff Mark Podoll, was recently approved by the County Board. Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk says a lot of departments have incentives for new employees that sign on, but what is to prevent those employees from leaving to sign on with another department to collect another bonus.

He says Green Lake County’s program will have an impact on other law enforcement officers who see loyalty is rewarded in their department. He says the way it works is someone who stays on in corrections or communications will get a $2,000 bonus after one year, that bonus grows to $3,000 after 2 years, $4,000 after 3 years, and $5,000 for a fourth and subsequent years.

Vande Kolk says in a way the new program is part of the Sheriff’s legacy because he doesn’t benefit from it, but others following in his footsteps will.