To Koxlien’s surprise, her curiosity was not limited to criminal justice coursework. An elective geology course taught by Dr. Kent Syverson, professor of geology and environmental science, not only sparked Koxlien’s love of geology but also left a lasting influence on her work as a law enforcement officer.
“When (Syverson) would ask a question, he wouldn’t just let you answer. He would always follow with ‘And what’s your evidence?’ That has never left me,” Koxlien says. “Not just taking things at surface level but really digging in and getting to the truth.”
Finding truth, providing solutions
Finding the truth and providing solutions are equally important to Koxlien, who has made it her mission to treat everyone she encounters with respect. That commitment has helped her assist people who have lost their way and ended up on the wrong side of the law.
A shining example of Koxlien’s commitment is the youth education program called Building Alliances, Delivering Guidance, Educating Students, or BADGES. Koxlien and a colleague created BADGES to meet the diverse needs of the students in Trempealeau County. Topics range from drug and alcohol use to online safety.
“I spend a lot of time in schools. That’s one of the important things to me, connecting with the students,” Koxlien says.
Koxlien often incorporates Patchin’s work on cyberbullying and sextortion in BADGES presentations.
“I like the fact that she has identified gaps in the schools and is looking to fill those gaps with needed information,” Patchin says. “Of course, I appreciate that she’s utilizing the work that I’ve done or any work that’s sort of evidence based.”
One of the most meaningful experiences of Koxlien’s career has been working with an individual she arrested on drug charges during her time as a detective. After serving time in prison, the individual moved to Trempealeau County for a new start. However, his plan was not working.
“So, I sat and talked to him, and I got to know him over time,” Koxlien says.
When the man was released on bond, he stayed in contact with Koxlien and maintained his sobriety. With Koxlien as a reference, he found employment and learned a trade. While he was moving forward, he still faced a substantial prison sentence. Koxlien decided to meet with the district attorney.
“I said that he went to prison before. It didn’t work. Let’s try something different. He’s really doing well, and he’s got this job. So, he ended up getting probation instead,” Koxlien says.
Sheriff appointment, building relationships
When Koxlien applied for the position of sheriff following the retirement of Sheriff Brett A. Semingson, the man on probation sent a letter of reference to Gov. Evers’ office.
In his letter, he wrote that Koxlien helped him find his path. He described entering Koxlien’s office expecting to be treated like a criminal. That is when Koxlien told him not to think of her as a police officer but as a human being.
“Because of those words and the way she treated me with respect and kindness, that’s what made me the kind of man I am today,” he wrote in his reference letter to the governor.
The man also shares his story with students as a guest speaker in the BADGES program.
Despite busy days filled with trainings and meetings, Koxlien continues to serve as the law enforcement representative on the recovery court team, an alternative to incarceration for people with substance use disorder and criminal charges. The program focuses on sobriety, counseling and health.
“I think it’s worth it, even if you can just help a couple people turn their lives around,” Koxlien says.
Patchin says an important aspect of being sheriff is building relationships and trust with people in the county. He believes Koxlien will do a good job representing the county in that regard, and that includes supporting a diverse population within the region.
One way Koxlien is building those relationships is by meeting with leaders in the Latino community to gain perspective on how immigration issues have affected businesses and families. Her goal is to clarify the differing roles of local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) so residents are not afraid to go to local law enforcement to report a crime.
Koxlien is also focused on supporting the emotional well-being and mental health of her staff. She says that work is the most challenging part of her new role.
“I always think about the bucket concept,” Koxlien says. “Everything we go through is a drop in the bucket. You don’t know when that last drop is going to tip your bucket over. There’s really no warning, so (I’m) just making sure that I’m taking some water out of their buckets whenever I can.”
While Koxlien recognizes the significance of her appointment as the second female sheriff of Trempealeau County, she does not want that distinction to define her.
“I think being visible for the next generation of women is important and also understanding that just my mere presence as a female sheriff kind of challenges some older perceptions,” Koxlien says. “But, most importantly, I don’t want to be known or remembered as a female sheriff; I just want to be known or remembered as a good sheriff.”
True Blu is a monthly series that spotlights UW-Eau Claire alumni.
Written by Kelly Austin, a writing intern in University Communications. She is a junior at UW-Eau Claire majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing and minoring in interdisciplinary linguistics. She is from Eau Claire.
