Sheriff's Office   

Sheriff Michael D. Carr is a native of Minnesota who was born in Staples and raised in Wadena.  Sheriff Carr graduated from Wadena High School in 1990 and went on to Brainerd Community College where he received his Associate of Arts Degree. He is a graduate of Bemidji State University with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and received his Skills training at Hibbing Range Technical College.  Sheriff Carr is a 2007 graduate of the Minnesota Sheriff’s School and a 2008 graduate of the 95th National Sheriff’s School. 
The Sheriff began his law enforcement career as a part-time Water Patrol Deputy for Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. He has worked as a part-time peace officer for the cities of Verndale, Sebeka, and Staples and started his full-time career by working for cities of Menahga, Baxter and Wadena. 
Sheriff Carr has over 25 years of law enforcement experience. He has attended numerous leadership development schools over his years of service and has specialized in the areas of Child and Adult Protection, Narcotics, Field Training Officer, SWAT, and SWAT Team Leader.
Sheriff Carr is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Minnesota Sheriff's Association, National Sheriff's Association, Verndale Fire/Rescue Department, Wadena Elks Lodge, Champs Coalition, Wadena Rotary, Knob Hill Sportsman Club, & Stocking Lake Booster Club.

Message From the Sheriff

The Wadena County Sheriff's Office currently has over 40 full-time and part-time employees within the Office. It is the responsibility of the Sheriff's Office to preserve peace and order within Wadena County.

As the highest ranking law enforcement official in the county, the Sheriff ensures that each and every member of his office upholds strict standards in order to accomplish this. The members of the Wadena County Sheriff's Office are eager to assist the citizens of Wadena County. Our goal is to make any contact you may have with our Office pleasant and comfortable.