A 24-year veteran of the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, has been appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to succeed Sheriff Joe Fath, who is retiring Dec. 1 after 44 years. Capt. Gerard Ritter, who ran against Fath three years ago and has served as administrative patrol captain since 2017, will complete the term expiring in January 2027. Evers praised Ritter’s decades of experience, strong community relationships, and vision for the office. John Johnson, Sr., president of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, called Ritter “highly qualified,” and Ritter said he is “honored” by the appointment.