Leader Staff
Shawano County’s deputy coroner will take over retiring Coroner Mike Jesse’s job as of Monday.
Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday announced the appointment of Brian Westfahl to the post.
“I am confident the skill set that Brian has developed as Shawano County deputy coroner will provide a smooth transition to coroner,” Walker said. “Furthermore, his service as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteer firefighter demonstrates an admirable level of both compassion and professionalism necessary to lead the coroner’s office.”
Westfahl serves as assistant fire chief and EMS service director in Pella. He holds EMT certifications from Fox Valley Technical College, Clintonville, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Shawano. He also holds certifications from NWTC in firefighting and electrical programs.
Jesse, 70, announced his retirement in March after 16 years in the position. He was appointed by Gov. Tommy Thompson on May 16, 1999.
Jesse ran unopposed last fall for a new four-year term.
In his retirement letter, he noted that the coroner job requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and he feels it’s time for him to “take time to relax and enjoy home, family and friends.”
He also wrote about his love of the county and the people who make it work.
“The past 16 years, while providing this service to the residents of Shawano, I have met many wonderful people and have made many friendships working with the different entities involved in the Office of Coroner duties,” Jesse wrote.