MEET TRAVIS
NEW LEADERSHIP DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
As your next Chippewa County Sheriff, I will take on an active role in making our community safer. I believe that a good leader leads by example; which is hard to do from behind a desk. Along with the administrative responsibilities of the Sheriff’s office, I will also be in the field working directly with the community to ensure my deputies are living up to your expectations.
I would make the sheriff’s vehicle fully marked patrol vehicle, with emergency resources to provide better support in emergencies. I would also like to see the Sheriff’s position have the ability to handle calls service at times when the staffing is low. I am here to do the right things for the right reasons. We deserve a Sheriff who will stand up against unconstitutional orders issued by partisan politicians. Public Safety is more important than politics.
Travis C Hakes
My name is Travis C. Hakes; I was born and raised in the Township of Tilden. My ancestors on both sides of my family have actually called Chippewa County home since just after the Civil War. I am the son of Charles J. and Susan G. (Lotts) Hakes. My Grandparents also live in the community, and I am fortunate enough to see them frequently. My Grandparents, Joe J. and Arlene (Kressin) Hakes also live in the Township of Tilden where they operate Zwickey’z Pheasant Farm. My Grandfather Harry Lotts, lived in New Auburn and spent his life between Bloomer and New Auburn. My Grandmother Doris (Hetchler) Snow is a resident of the City of Bloomer.
I attended Bloomer High School, and after graduation I attended CVTC where I obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to graduation from CVTC, I was hired as a part time Deputy with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department by Sheriff Ellis (where I remained in a non-working status after Sheriff Kowalczyk was elected for a few years). Upon graduation I started working for Chief Gale Haas at the Lake Hallie Police Department, where I remained until April of 2017. During my career, I also had the pleasure to work for the Stanley Police Department under Chief Roy Frederickson and supervision of the current Chief Lance Weiland.
While working full time for the Village of Lake Hallie, Assisting CVTC (on an as needed basis), and part time for the City of Chetek, I was offered the Chief of Police position with the Village of Elk Mound. I was the Chief of the Elk Mound Police Department for 4 years, during that time I balanced a budget, and was able to bring back increased staffing by working with the Village Board. I was able to take a department they considered dissolving and turned it into a full time position with additional help. During my time with the Elk Mound Police Department we had positive outcomes during hiring processes. Employees I selected to fill vacancies have since accepted full time positions in our communities. During my career I have served as a certified Crisis Negotiator.
In the Spring of 2017 I accepted a full-time job with the City of Chetek Police Department; since then I have resigned for a part-time position with Cornell Police Department. I left my full-time employment to pursue my successful small businesses. I currently sell real estate, I teach firearms classes, personal defense courses, sell firearms, and actively work as a patrol officer.
When I am not working I volunteer in various activities throughout our county. I am the Chapter President of the Chippewa Valley of Pheasants Forever. I also volunteer with Wildlife Rehabilitation, among other things. You will always find me making a positive impact in our communities.
Ask Travis Your Questions
