Green Lake County Sheriff to Retire After 20 Years

Sheriff Mark Podoll announces he will not seek re-election, plans to retire in January 2027.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll, who has served in law enforcement for 44 years with the last 20 as sheriff, announced that he will not be seeking re-election and plans to retire at the end of his current term in January 2027. Podoll said the support of the Green Lake community has been incredible during his tenure and he expects that community bond to continue with the next generation of law enforcement.

Why it matters

Podoll's retirement will mark the end of an era for the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, as he has led numerous high-profile cases during his 20-year tenure, including the recent search for a man accused of faking his own death. His departure will open up the sheriff position for new leadership to continue serving the community.

The details

In his announcement, Podoll said he has accomplished many goals during his time as sheriff, but that it is now time for him to start a new chapter in his life. Despite his upcoming retirement, he pledged to continue serving faithfully and diligently until his last day in office.

  • Podoll has served as Green Lake County Sheriff for 20 years.
  • Podoll has a total of 44 years in law enforcement.
  • Podoll plans to retire at the end of his current term on January 4, 2027.

The players

Mark Podoll

The Green Lake County Sheriff who has served in that role for 20 years and plans to retire in January 2027.

Ryan Borgwardt

A Wisconsin man accused of faking his own death in Green Lake and fleeing the country, whose case Podoll helped lead the search for.

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What they’re saying

“The support of the Green Lake Community has been incredible over the course of my career. I expect that community to continue for the next generation of law enforcement, and I expect law enforcement to continue to strengthen that community bond.”

— Mark Podoll, Green Lake County Sheriff (wearegreenbay.com)

What’s next

Podoll's retirement will open up the Green Lake County Sheriff position for the 2026 election, with the new sheriff taking office in January 2027.

The takeaway

After two decades of dedicated service, Sheriff Mark Podoll's retirement marks the end of an era for the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office. His legacy of strong community ties and leadership on high-profile cases will help shape the next generation of law enforcement in the area.