Acting Milwaukee Co. Sheriff Richard Schmidt applies for job of interim sheriff

MILWAUKEE -- Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt announced on Monday afternoon, September 25th that he has submitted his application for the job of interim sheriff to Gov. Scott Walker.

Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt

"Gov. Walker has numerous excellent candidates to consider. However, I now very respectfully ask Gov. Walker, whom I  greatly respect, for his appointment to the interim sheriff of Milwaukee County," Schmidt said at a news conference. "I very respectfully request that I be allowed to continue what we have started over these last 25 days in this organization."

Acting Sheriff Schmidt touted successes with recent speed and reckless driving saturation patrols in Milwaukee. He was also pleased with his recent inspection of the Milwaukee County Jail.

"First thing, I stated I would do is I would freeze the entire sheriff office budget except for the salaries of our employees -- and that is exactly what took place," Schmidt said.

Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt

Schmidt said the department has reduced the deficit by $2 million by cutting overtime and materials. Then he turned his mission to crack down on highway crime.

Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt with his wife, Valori

"Total citations specific to the saturation patrols not the normal patrol of our officers, 588 in 19 days," Schmidt said.

Schmidt thanked those who have shown their support for him in recent weeks -- including his wife, Valori.

"I want to make it very clear my wife has been extremely supportive and why I wanted you folks to see her and meet her," Schmidt said.