Two deputies promoted to leadership positions in the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office

(Left to right): Chief Deputy Jeff Berns, Sheriff Dan Marx and Lieutenant/Second Deputy Steve Nesvik

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office has a new Chief Deputy and a new Second Deputy/Lieutenant.

The Winneshiek County Board on Monday approved Sheriff Dan Marx's recommendation of Lieutenant/Second Deputy Jeff Berns to serve as Chief Deputy in the Sheriff's Office.  Berns replaces former Chief Deputy Greg Torgrim, who served in the position for 15 years before retiring recently.

Berns is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement, serving as investigator and field training officer. He has also worked in narcotics, been a member of the Winneshiek/Decorah Special Response Team since its inception in 1994, and was recently promoted to Lieutenant in the Sheriff's Office.  Berns has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from The University of Northern Iowa.
  
Berns' appointment created a vacancy in the position of Lieutenant/Second Deputy, so Sheriff Dan Marx nominated Deputy Steve Nesvik to that position--and supervisors approved the recommendation.

Nesvik started his career in 2002 with the New Hampton Police Department before joining the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office in 2004.  Nesvik runs the K9 program for the Sheriff's Office and also specializes in investigations, including narcotics investigations.  He is a team leader with the Special Response Team (SRT).  Nesvik will serve as third in command of the Sheriff's Office.  He has an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Police Science/Criminal Justice from Hawkeye Community College.

Said Marx, "Chief Deputy Berns and Lieutenant Nesvik are true professionals with fantastic service records...Together we will continually work to ensure the safety of the public in a friendly, approachable and ethical manner, while always upholding and protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens."

(Left to right): Chief Deputy Jeff Berns and Lieutenant/Second Deputy Steve Nesvik