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Be the reason your community stays informed—give to local journalism now! DECORAH — Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx introduced new deputies to the Board of Supervisors on Monday and announced a leadership transition within the department as a longtime officer prepares for retirement. Sheriff Marx welcomed two new deputies, Trevor Thomas and Cody Imoehl, highlighting their backgrounds and commitment to public service. "We had a real tough applicant pool. We had good applicants, and it says a lot for these two gentlemen to have made it to this level," Marx stated. Deputy Trevor Thomas, a native of Winneshiek County, has a background in farming, military service and law enforcement. "He started at the Marine Corps, did a combat tour with the Marine Corps," Marx explained. "Grew up in northern Winneshiek County, farming with his folks who still farm, and still live here today." After working at Seed Savers for several years, Thomas became certified as a police officer and now joins the sheriff's office. Marx expressed his enthusiasm about Thomas joining the team, saying, "We're excited to have him." Cody Imoehl, also a Winneshiek County native, was introduced as the second new deputy. "He grew up in the Ossian area," Marx said. "He had a small engine repair shop. Owned his own business, ran his own business. He has been a longtime Ossian firefighter and EMT, volunteer EMT." Imoehl later obtained his law enforcement certification and has been serving with the Decorah Police Department before transitioning to the sheriff's office. His official start date is set for March 31. In addition to the new hires, Marx announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Deputy Jeff Berns, who will leave the department after 35 years of service. "He's down to, I think he told me on the way up here, 'seven days left to work,' but who's counting?" Marx jokingly remarked. Berns' career spanned various roles, including investigator, detective, narcotics officer and special response team member. "He's really served as a mentor to everybody and trained a lot of our staff." Marx added. Recognizing Berns' extensive contributions, Marx expressed his gratitude. "He's been a close confidant to me. He's been a close adviser to me, my closest adviser, and I just can't thank him enough for his years of service," Marx said. "I'm sure he could probably write a book at some point of all the things he's seen and what he's dealt with." With Berns' departure, Lieutenant Steve Nesvik will be promoted to Chief Deputy. Nesvik brings 24 years of law enforcement experience, having served as a lieutenant for the past several years. "He'll be stepping into some big shoes and filling Jeff's role as Chief Deputy… We'll be in good hands with Steve," Marx stated. The meeting concluded with formal board approval of the deputy appointments and resolutions to finalize the transitions. "I've seen other places where it's much more contentious," Berns told the supervisors after thanking them for maintaining a good working relationship with the sheriff's office, "We don't have that. We're very blessed." Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.

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Winneshiek County Sheriff Introduces New Deputies, Announces Retirement and Promotion