On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the Wisconsin State Assembly floor session, State Representative Paul Melotik was honored to present Corporal Michael Schmidt of the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office as District 22’s First Responder of the Year for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to public safety.
Corporal Schmidt began his distinguished career with the Sheriff’s Office in March 2007 as a Deputy Sheriff in the Jail Division. During that time, he also served with dedication on the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). In August 2009, he transitioned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Deputy, and in March 2022, he was promoted to Corporal, where he currently serves on first shift. In this leadership role, he steps up as Shift Commander in the absence of a Sergeant, a testament to the trust placed in him by his colleagues and command staff.
But Corporal Schmidt’s contributions extend far beyond his supervisory responsibilities. He serves as the Team Leader for the Ozaukee County Crash Reconstruction Unit, is a key member of the Peer Support and Critical Incident Debrief Teams, and is a certified Taser instructor. As a long-serving Field Training Officer, he has helped shape and mentor the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
Throughout his career, Corporal Schmidt has displayed extraordinary courage, calm, and compassion during the most critical of moments. He has received multiple commendations for lifesaving actions, including administering Narcan to an overdose victim and applying a tourniquet that saved an individual from the catastrophic loss of a limb. These actions reflect the highest ideals of public service.
His dedication to community safety doesn’t stop when his shift ends. Corporal Schmidt also volunteers as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Village of Belgium Fire Department. In 2018, his commitment was further recognized when he was named EMT of the Year by the American Legion Melvin Wester Belgium Post 412. A lifelong resident of Belgium, Wisconsin, Corporal Schmidt has deep roots in the community he serves. He graduated from Cedar Grove-Belgium High School in 1999 and earned his associate’s degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College. He and his wife Amanda are proud parents to two sons.
For more than 18 years, Corporal Schmidt has embodied the core values of the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office: Honor, Integrity, Duty, and Loyalty. He is highly respected by his peers and by the entire community he so faithfully serves.
