TAYLOR COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Snowmobile & ATV Patrol

Snowmobile and ATV Patrol was implemented in 1991 at the request of the Taylor County Snowmobile Association. The patrol is financed by a State Grant which pays for all equipment, including snowmobiles, officer wages, gas, oil and any other related costs.

This department purchased two snowmobiles in 1999 for patrol purposes which are equipped with red/blue lights and marked with "Sheriff" logos.

The main objected of the Snowmobile and ATV Patrol is to patrol the trails in Taylor County. We enforce all State Chapters 350, 23.33 and County Ordinance 44. The most frequent offenses have been non-registration, failure to stop at stop signs and illegal operation. We also work on snowmobile related complaints received from the public. Trespassing is the most frequent complaint reported.

After each patrol the officers complete "Trail Status Reports" and file them with Brad Ruesch, Director of Forestry/Recoreation and the Taylor County Snowmobile Coordinator. These reports let him know of any trail problems or missing signs which need attention.

Our policy is to practice public relations as much as possible while keeping the trails safe. Area snowmobilers have expressed to patrol officers they are happy to see the department out on the trails and feel safer.

Our officers also speak about our patrol at snowmobile safety classes. Our patrols have been requested to attend ice-fishing contests, snowmobile derbies, snowmobile races and community winter fairs and gatherings.

Snowmobile Patrol Coordinator - Sgt. Dave Kahan