Tonight, friends, colleagues, and community members gather at the HOBNOB restaurant and cocktail lounge in Racine to mark the close of a remarkable chapter in local law enforcement. Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling is retiring after nearly 32 years of dedicated service—16 of them as the county’s elected sheriff.
Schmaling began his career as a deputy sheriff in 1995. In 2010, he was elected the youngest sheriff in Racine County history, taking office in January 2011. He went on to win four terms, becoming the longest-serving sheriff the county has ever had. In his January 2026 retirement announcement, he expressed deep gratitude to supporters and affirmed his commitment to finishing his final term with the same vigor that defined his entire career.
Under Schmaling’s leadership, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office operated as a full-service agency of roughly 260 employees, responsible for patrol, criminal investigations, the large county jail (one of the biggest in Wisconsin), water patrol on Lake Michigan, K-9 units, SWAT, and other specialized teams.
One of the most defining aspects of his career was his focus on domestic violence. The Racine County Sheriff’s Office became the first in Wisconsin to employ a full-time domestic violence specialist. Schmaling personally investigated high-profile cases, including the 2004 abduction and near-murder of Teri Jendusa-Nicolai, in which he and his partner helped rescue the victim after she was beaten, bound, and left in a storage unit.
That experience shaped his advocacy. In 2014, he testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in support of stronger protections under the Violence Against Women Act and enforceable measures to keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers. He also supported Wisconsin’s bipartisan “Safe Act,” which required domestic abusers subject to restraining orders to surrender their guns.
Schmaling emphasized professionalism, training, and community engagement. The office held annual awards ceremonies recognizing officers and civilians for lifesaving actions, investigative excellence, and service. In June 2026, during the Sheriff’s Awards Ceremony, Schmaling himself received a Legacy of Leadership Award honoring more than three decades of service.
Throughout his tenure, Schmaling positioned the Sheriff’s Office as a defender of both public safety and constitutional principles. He publicly declined to enforce certain state public-health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing they exceeded constitutional limits.
In his retirement statement, Schmaling highlighted the strength of the agency he leaves behind: “The Racine County Sheriff’s Office is stronger, more professional and better prepared now more than ever to meet the challenges ahead… The brave and selfless men and women of the Racine County Sheriff’s Office represent the finest qualities that make the Racine County Sheriff’s Office a premier law enforcement agency.”
The community is marking the occasion in style. HOBNOB Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge posted a heartfelt tribute on social media:
“End of a historic era in Racine County law enforcement.
We here at HOBNOB want to give a HUGE congratulations to Sheriff Christopher Schmaling on his retirement! Thank you for nearly 32 years of dedicated service—and 16 incredible years as our elected Sheriff.
Your leadership and dedication to keeping Racine County safe will not be forgotten. Enjoy the next adventure, Sheriff—you’ve earned every bit of it!”
As Racine County prepares for a new sheriff (Democrat Don Vandervest was elected Nov. 3), the tributes highlight Schmaling’s overwhelming support and his place in local history as both the youngest and longest-serving holder of the office. His nearly 32-year career left a lasting imprint on public safety in Racine County.
Congratulations, Sheriff Schmaling and thank you for your service!
