BY JALEN MAKI
MMC STAFF
In a series of Facebook posts, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office introduced several new employees who will perform a variety of duties.
Ashtin Zunker, Austin Brown, Damian Hardt and Zachary Irish each began in their respective posts over the last few months.
Ashtin Zunker
Sheriff Ken Schneider introduced Ashtin Zunker as a new member of the patrol division on May 19.
Zunker is a Marshfield native, where she graduated from high school. She attended North Central Technical College in Wausau, graduating from the criminal justice program, before beginning her Wisconsin law enforcement recruit training at NTC.
While in college, Zunker worked as a security guard at Marshfield Medical Center’s Marshfield Campus and as a civilian transport officer for the Marshfield Police Department, where she was also an auxiliary police officer.
“Ashtin said she was drawn to Lincoln County by the diverse work atmosphere and all of the challenges this agency has to offer,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Austin Brown
Austin Brown was introduced as a Corrections Officer on June 21.
Brown attended high school in Racine, where he also played baseball. He moved to Merrill to serve as a youth counselor at Lincoln Hills School in Irma, a post he held for two years before joining the Sheriff’s Office.
“Austin said the job brought him north, but his love of the Northwoods and all it has to offer has kept him here,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We are always happy to have experienced people such as Austin join our staff.”
Damian Hardt
Damian Hardt was introduced as a Corrections Officer in the Jail Division on June 23.
Hardt graduated from West Bend West High School. He played basketball and baseball, and was part of the school’s 2017 State Championship baseball team.
After high school, Hardt spent a year at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point before transferring to North Central Technical College, enrolling in the Criminal Justice Program.
Hardt said he was attracted to the Northwoods by the college system, his family, and the job market.
“The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office provides most officers like Damian with the Basic Jail Officer School,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “While enrolled in that program, Damian was awarded the Academic Excellence Award.”
Zachary Irish
Gleason-area native Zachary Irish, who was assigned to the Corrections Division, was introduced on June 25.
“Zach, a student in the Nicolet Technical College Criminal Justice Program, was impressed with the agency’s reputation and the state-of-the-art modern jail facility,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Zach stated he had applied at another county, but when offered a job in his own county, he jumped at the chance.”The Sheriff’s Office noted that Irish finds his position in the Corrections Division “very challenging and rewarding.”
“When he isn’t at work or in school, Zach is a true outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting in the Northwoods,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “He also has a hobby farm where he raises chicken, pigs,s and beef cattle as natural grass-fed products for resale.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked Irish for choosing Lincoln County.
“We look forward to working with you for many years to come,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.