TESTIMONIALS

I believe Curt Vandertie would be a tremendous asset as the next Door County Sheriff. His loyalty, dedication, and genuine love for our community are qualities that every sheriff should possess. I also believe his strong presence within the community would help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the people they serve.

I have had the opportunity to know Curt in several roles as a Door County Sheriff’s deputy, as Chief of the BUG Fire Department, and as a friend. In every role, he demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to those around him. He takes his responsibilities seriously and always strives to do what is best for the community.

I couldn’t be more proud to see Curt pursuing something he truly believes in, and I will gladly stand behind him every step of the way. As election day (August 11, 2026) approaches, I encourage everyone to do their research, learn about the candidates, and make their voice heard at the polls. Please vote for Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff.

I feel Curt Vandertie would make a great Sheriff! I have seen how his outstanding leadership skills have united and advanced B.U.G. Fire Department.  He is aware of issues facing Door County residents through his many years of service on the Door County Sheriff's Department. He is deeply committed, putting in time, effort, and shows a desire for everyone’s well-being. Curt Vandertie will keep Door County moving forward as a safe community!

I’ve known Curt Vandertie for several years, and there’s no one more dedicated to Door County than him.As a patrol deputy with the Door County Sheriff’s Office and longtime Fire Chief for the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department, Curt has spent decades responding to emergencies, keeping our families safe, and making tough decisions when it matters most.

What sets Curt apart is his genuine care for our community. He’s not just about enforcing the law  he’s about building trust, supporting our deputies, and making sure the Sheriff’s Office stays connected to every corner of Door County. Whether it’s on the road, at a fire scene, or helping a neighbor in need, Curt leads with integrity, professionalism, and heart.

Door County deserves a sheriff who truly understands our way of life and has the experience to protect it. Curt is that leader, Your Community Sheriff. I’m proud to support him and encourage everyone to vote for Curt Vandertie.

This is a testimonial and endorsement for Door County Deputy Curt Vandertie for Sheriff of Door County. 

I value Deputy Curt Vandertie’s experience, dedication, and sacrifices he has made. I believe that Curt has genuine care for his fellow Deputies and the community, and a passion for serving the Door County community. Curt has served the Door County community in public service as a Deputy, Emergency Medical Responder and Fire Department Chief, and I believe he has valuable experience and respected leadership. 

I appreciate that Curt believes in helping everyone in the community and is willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make our community better. Deputy Curt Vandertie has the strength and demonstrated experience we need, and the leadership to make our Sheriff’s department better for our county.  I also appreciate his character in having a positive campaign. 

Curt, in serving as a Fire Chief (previously Fire Captain), has demonstrated that he understands the importance and knows firsthand what it means to lead from the front. I was impressed that, during the recent challenging snowstorm, Deputy Vandertie was out there on patrol, helping others and working in the community. When done working patrol, he continued serving the community every night of the storm responding to fire and medical calls. This is at the core of good relationships with the team you work with and being there for the community you serve. Curt will make a great Community Sheriff! 

In closing, as a retired law enforcement officer who teaches criminal justice/criminal law, Deputy Curt Vandertie is the leader who I believe will be a great Sheriff, who will continue to work hard to keep us all safe. 

What truly sets Curt apart is his commitment to transparency and accountability. He believes the community deserves honest communication and leadership that is accessible to everyone. Curt is willing to listen to concerns, answer questions, and work directly with citizens to strengthen trust between law-enforcement and the community. Curt understands the importance of strong law enforcement relationships built on trust, communication, and compassion.

Throughout his career, he has shown fairness, professionalism, and respect for all citizens while working tirelessly to keep Door County safe. He is willing to put his own “boots on the ground” when needed, whether at a fire scene, car accident or citizen assist.

I believe Curt has the experience, character, and vision needed to lead the Sheriff’s Department with integrity and dedication. I look forward to working with Curt Vandertie as Sheriff.

When I hear the name Curt Vandertie, 3 things come to mind; respect, a striving to do better, and strong leadership. 

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Curt in his different roles with both the sheriffs department and fire department. I know when I come onto a scene with Curt that it is certain we will all be treated with respect, be valued and used for our talents, and that he is leading with the goal that we all work well together to most efficiently and safely handle the situation at hand. Curt also shows the same respect to the people whose incident he is responding to. He knows when he needs to take a more authoritative stance but still does so with respect for that person and with everyone’s safety in mind. 

Curt is the kind of leader that after an incident will ask those involved, what did we do well, what did we do that could use some improvement, and what did we do that we need to further train on and change? And he expects and wants an honest answer so these things can be addressed and worked on. Curt is open about these things, and doesn’t try to hide when a mistake has been made as he believes in being transparent and growing from there as the issue is improved for next time. Curt is always striving to improve, and better, not only himself, but those around him. I, and others, appreciate the calm, organization, and leadership he brings to the community. 

I know that these traits, and many others, will be carried with Curt into the role as sheriff because this isn’t just who Curt is on the job. It isn’t just a hat he puts on for work. This is who Curt is as a person. Honest, caring, trustworthy, respectful, transparent, and always striving to be better and support those around him to do the same. These are all the strong traits we need in the sheriff role. The fact Curt possesses these traits, I know he will lead his deputies with respect. I know he will continue to build his relationships of trust and working together with his fellow deputies and public safety partners throughout Door County. I know that in doing this the department will work well together, and therefore, serve our community well, efficiently, and safely. 

Curt has always been a community servant, transparent about his work, someone that can be trusted to do the job well, with a calm and organized presence, and with respect for all. Please vote Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff.

I know Curt Vandertie on a few different levels- personal level,  I see him very supportive of the kids in sports - his Own kids and his kids team mates but it does not stop there- he supports parents of teammates and grandparents through the ups and downs of a season.

On another level, I have been on the fire board the last 18 years. During that time I have seen him suggesting needed things to make our fire department better and more efficient and valuable. He recognizes the need to be responsible with our tax dollar budgets. We have the lowest budget of most if not all departments- Curt thinks outside the normal box and figures out ways for us to acquire what we need to improve the service to our community. His professionalism allows him to lead his people because he values his group- always gives credit to the people deserving of it. I would expect having him as Sheriff would improve the working of our Sheriff’s Department- please vote Curt Vandertie as our sheriff- you won’t be sorry.

I can personally vouch that Curt is one of the nicest and most professional people in both his roles on the sheriff’s department and fire department. He lives and breathes public service. You could know Curt for 10 minutes or 10 years and he is just as friendly and fair with you. Couldn’t pick a better person for sheriff! Vote Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff.

We are proud to support Curt Vandertie for sheriff. Curt's dedication to public safety, integrity and community service is impeccable. Curt works to protect and serve every member of his community. In our family experience he has not only helped our family when we needed him to, but he has now become a close family friend. Both on and off duty, Curt demonstrates strong moral character, sound judgment and a deep respect for others.  In the field, he remains calm under pressure and prioritizes safety while treating everyone with dignity. Outside of all the work, he continues to model responsibility and compassion building trust through his actions and involvement in his community. Together let's elect Curt Vandertie for the next Sheriff. 

Dependable. Stoic. Steadfast. Courageous. Trustworthy. These are all words that I would use to describe Curt Vandertie. A man whom our Door County community looks up to; a man whom I am grateful for in my life as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. When chaos comes during an emergency call, Curt leads with a steadfast hand and courageously surveys and puts a plan into place to guide those under his command. There always is a sigh of relief, a reassurance when Curt is on any fire, EMS, or accident scene. He is a man who would lay down his life for his friend, neighbor, or even a stranger. I have witnessed this in action as a firefighter, Curt courageously jumping into action to help save lives and property in emergencies. Curt gives to his community with his whole heart and being, caring deeply about the safety of those who serve under him, and those affected by any incident. 

I know community members affected by law enforcement, fire or medical calls that would echo these words; Curt goes above and beyond to be upfront, honest, and at all times caring and concerned for those who were affected by the call. 

Curt's genuine leadership and attitude continues to encourage me to be a better community member, firefighter, and first responder. He leads with confidence, humility, and care. What more can we ask of our elected officials, especially that of Sheriff, than to take command, be driven with care for our community, be humble, and steadfast to his community? I hope you will consider voting and supporting Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff. We need someone in the role of Sheriff that will put the needs of our community above their own, that we can find trustworthy in any life situation, and give us honesty and transparency. If any emergency strikes, there is no other person that I would want there more than Curt Vandertie. 

Since January of 2022, I’ve had the privilege of working as a firefighter under Fire Chief Curt Vandertie on Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department. When I first joined the department, I did not know Curt, but he treated me with kindness and respect as though we were good friends. Curt was delighted at my interest in becoming a firefighter. He became a positive role model to begin my fire career. As I progressed from volunteer firefighter at B.U.G. Fire to full-time at Green Bay Metro Fire Department, Curt was and still is an inspiration of who I want to be as a firefighter, a leader, and a person. I think Curt Vandertie is a wonderful candidate for Door County Sheriff because of the excellent leadership qualities he possesses and carries out in his everyday life. 

First, I admire the strong moral values that Curt displays. Curt is always first to help his community, demonstrating his morality and care for those in need. Curt not only works full time as a police officer for Door County, but when off duty, he responds to fires and medical emergencies in southern Door County as a Fire Chief and emergency medical responder. Curt is committed to protecting those around him. Additionally, Curt often talks about the importance of family. He cares about his own family deeply and emphasizes the importance of family and brotherhood among his firefighters. Lastly, Curt goes above and beyond in helping others. When residents of Brussels experienced basement flooding in the past, Curt recognized the situation and organized a team of firefighters to help pump out the basements. Curt continually displays his strong moral values in his kindness, care, and willingness to help those in need. 

Another thing I admire about Curt is he does not have an ego or arrogance because of his position as Fire Chief. Rather, he is a humble leader who chooses to treat all of his firefighters with dignity and respect. He listens to all of us firefighters as though our voice is important to him. When a problem comes about, Curt first brings it to his members, and is open to new ideas to solve the problem. Additionally, Curt is very good at expressing his gratitude to his firefighters. This applies to emergency incidents we respond to and additional tasks we accomplish. For instance, a lot of us firefighters volunteer behind the scenes to work on station maintenance, fundraising, and grant writing. These items never go unrecognized by Curt. He is always first to say “thank you.” Curt also devotes hours to the fire department behind the scenes but he never seeks pride for the extra work he does. Rather, he focuses on his firefighters and our accomplishments. He always lets us know how proud he is of us and expresses his gratitude for each and every member. 

Finally, Curt possesses two important leadership qualities of level headedness and humility. I’ve worked on several fire scenes with Curt and his calm nature always gave me reassurance even in a stressful situation. Curt has years of experience in incident management and is always calm, competent, and confident when making decisions in an emergency setting. When an incident is completed, Curt always makes an effort to discuss what went well and what could go better next time. This shows how much Curt wants to better those around him and improve the department as a whole. Lastly, Curt shows humility by accepting responsibility for mistakes that were made on scene and forgiving others for their mistakes. 

Once again, I think Curt is a wonderful candidate for Door County Sheriff because of his excellent leadership skills and personal qualities that make him a good leader. I hope you consider this testimonial and vote for Curt as the next Door County Sheriff.

 I have known Curt for many years and I am supporting his goal to be our Community Sheriff.  He is committed to accountability, fairness, transparency and continuing to serve our community.  His proven leadership skills will allow him to motivate and guide the Sheriff's Department. His communication skills allow him to clearly communicate and listen to others. Curt’s decision making skills give him the ability to accurately evaluate a wide range of situations and take action in a positive manner that ensures community safety. He is the most well rounded candidate for sheriff. His life experiences and his proven dedication to protecting Door County is commendable and second to none. Please join me in supporting and voting for Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff.

I would like to ask for your support and help in electing Curt Vandertie for our next Door County Sheriff. I’ve had the pleasure of serving with Curt on the BUG Fire Department as my Chief for nearly 20 years. During that time he has proven to be an outstanding leader. Curt is great under pressure and makes crucial decisions with ease. He’s a role model to all of us. Curt is resourceful, he’s financially responsible, and overall he cares deeply for his community. I can’t think of a better person to elect. Please help me support him and vote for Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff. 

I would like to take a moment to share why I believe Door County needs to vote for Curt Vandertie as Sheriff. As a lifelong resident of Door County and fellow community service employee, I have witnessed firsthand the change that he has brought to BUG Fire Department as its Chief. Under Curt Vandertie's leadership, BUG has grown to be a very strong, well trained and motivated volunteer department. BUG embodies much of Curt's qualities - the love they have for their community, the job, and the pride they have in wearing their gear. Curt Vandertie loves his community, loves the job, he is dedicated, honest, and hard-working. He turned that department around, and it is a testament to his leadership, and his love for the community to watch everyone work together for the greater good of three towns. 

I grew up in Brussels, more accurately the township of Gardner. I know all too well how people in my beloved Door County and my beloved hometown are not always the most receptive to change. I watched Curt Vandertie merge Brussels Union EMR's and Gardner EMR's into a single agency. Over 10 months of work was put into that; he had a vision, and no matter the obstacles placed before him, through all of the skepticism he worked tirelessly with Town Leaders, Firefighters, EMR's, and the community to achieve that vision. And I am proud to say that his vision that came to fruition has been nothing short of an absolute success, and a true gift to the townships of Brussels, Union, and Gardner. Now Firefighters and EMR's from three different towns all work together as ONE department. 

I have seen how Curt has worked to secure funding and grants to buy new equipment. He has been incredibly smart and responsible with taxpayer's hard-earned dollars. He has an unshakable love and passion for the community. He has proven that time and time again. Curt doesn't just say he is going to do something; he goes out and does it. He is a man of his word. I've seen few work as hard as he does for the community. Now, I just would like to add that all of the above-mentioned things he has done while also having a full-time job as a member of the Door County Sheriff's Department. Take a moment to let that sink in. Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot give you a better candidate. I cannot give you a better man to vote for. His track record is proven. He is a man of integrity, an honest, and hard-working man. He embodies everything that I love and respect of a blue-collar man from my hometown. 

Curt embodies everything that makes Door County so special. A man that volunteers at local charity events, gives his time freely for the betterment of our community, and has sworn an oath as a Law Enforcement officer to protect our community through fair, transparent and consistent practices. He wears the badge with honor and I see every single day how hard he works to live up to the trust we as citizens of this county put in him to protect us. Door County does not need someone as Sheriff who is just looking to climb the ladder, or looking for a fancy title before their name. Door County  needs someone who has a vision and is willing to work hard to see that vision become a reality. Door County deserves a Sheriff who will lead with integrity, and will bring pride to wearing the uniform, and serving our community. 

Door County deserves a Sheriff who has a passion and lifelong commitment towards public safety. Door County deserves a Sheriff who will make our County safer and stronger. Curt has already proven he can do all of this as I've mentioned before. Door County needs Curt Vandertie for Sheriff. Please join me in supporting and voting for Curt Vandertie for Door County Sheriff. 

As the election season approaches, it is imperative that we commence the process of selecting a new sheriff for our community. When evaluating potential candidates, it is crucial to prioritize individuals who demonstrate unwavering commitment to their responsibilities and the well-being of the community.

A desirable sheriff should possess extensive law enforcement experience and a proven track record of effectively combating crime. Simultaneously, they should embody compassion and a strong sense of community values, actively engaging with residents to instill moral and ethical principles.

We should seek a candidate who exemplifies the qualities of Curt Vandertie, a dedicated community servant who has dedicated his life to public service. As a volunteer firefighter, chief, and deputy, Vandertie has consistently demonstrated honor, pride, integrity, and respect for others and his family.

Furthermore, we require a sheriff who is not averse to advocating for the department’s needs at the county board level, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations. Additionally, a sheriff should prioritize the continuous education of his deputies, demanding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism from both himself and his team.

It is also important that our sheriff involves the community in activities such as becoming a reserve deputy, ride-alongs, and the citizens academy, enabling us to gain a better understanding of the daily operations of our deputies.

In order for us to be a great county, we need a great sheriff who will be committed, respectful, honorable, family-oriented and one who will educate and be engaged with the entire Door County community. 

I vote that we elect Curt Vandertie for that position.