New sheriff
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cessor, Scott Parks, who asked him to serve as chief deputy.
For almost 10 years, Billeb worked as the second in command to Parks, who retired officially on Sunday. It was Parks who asked Billeb if he wanted to seek the head leadership role when he decided not to run for office again.
“I went home and had a conversation with my wife and my two girls and decided that running for sheriff was something we could do together as a family,” Billeb, who ran unopposed in November, said.
The new sheriff said he’s focused on what he sees as some of the biggest issues facing the county—mental health and substance abuse.
According to Billeb, changes at North Central Health Care, a mental health clinic in Wausau, makes it “a perfect time for us to come together and start approaching [these issues] again with maybe a new view, a new approach and move that forward.” He also said the office is trying to start creative programs within the county jail to address those issues.
“So much of what happens in this county is a product of mental health and substance abuse,” Billeb said.
Another focus for Billeb will be “staying ahead of the technology.” He recalled buying a bag phone with an antenna that had to be put on the top of his squad car during his earlier years on the job. Nowadays, new deputies are issued a cell phone and computer immediately to be able to communicate in various ways. Billeb used the department’s forensic lab as another example of how technology has drastically changed.
“We have one of the premier labs in the state, if not in this region of the country, where we’re leaned on regularly to help with investigations,” Billeb said.
Looking ahead, Billeb said he’s aware he has “big shoes to fill.” He commended Parks, who he described as “one of the best sheriffs this county has ever seen,” along with various other officers he’s worked with over the years, for preparing him for this role.
“The relationships and partnerships we have are really what makes us, as an organization, successful,” Billeb said. “I feel very fortunate to have that.”
Elderon robbery, shooting
Billeb’s tenure got off to a busy start when he assumed the sheriff duties this week. Before his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday he briefed the media about an armed robbery home invasion that occurred in Elderon around 2:30 a.m. that morning. Deputies arrived on scene after a report of a 79-year-old man being assaulted and stabbed as he exited his vehicle in his garage.
According to a press release from the sheriffs office, the homeowner was in possession of a firearm and fired one round that struck the suspect in the chest prior to the firearm being wrestled away from him.
The suspect died while fleeing the scene; Billeb told reporters the deceased suspect was found in a vehicle nearby and both weapons were recovered. The homeowner sustained nonlife threatening injuries and was recovering at a local hospital on Tuesday.
According to the release, investigators believe the suspect followed the man home from a local establishment and there is no further threat to the community. They had not yet released the suspect’s name, pending family notification.
