Koxlien appointed as new Trempealeau County Sheriff

Nobody can say the new Trempealeau County Sheriff is part of the “good ol’ boy’s club.” 

That is, at least in part, because when Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers appointed Erica Koxlien to the position last Friday, she became the second woman to hold the title in the history of the county.

Koxlien fills a vacancy created by Sheriff Brett Semingson’s retirement. She will complete the remainder of the term that ends January 2027.

“Erica Koxlien is a respected law enforcement officer, who has served her community well for a decade,” Evers said. “She will be a committed and dedicated sheriff for the people of Trempealeau County.”

Koxlien was one of three internal candidates who applied for the position. She was chosen over co-workers Wayne Dahl and Ronie Molitor. Dahl served as the undersheriff for the week between Semingson’s retirement and Koxlien’s appointment and was Semingson’s chief deputy. 

There was also one external candidate who county residents may be familiar with: Chris Danou. Prior to representing Trempealeau County in the state assembly from 2009 to 2017, Danou worked in law enforcement as an officer with the Onalaska Police Department. He was defeated by Treig Pronschinske in the 2016 election. 

The Times obtained a list of applicants through a Freedom of Information Act request. 

Koxlien is now one of seven female sheriffs in the state. 

According to a press release sent by the governor’s office, Koxlien has served as a law enforcement officer in the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office for the last decade. She first served as a patrol officer and then as a detective. Her work has covered a broad array of cases, including investigating deaths, narcotics cases, sexual assault cases, child maltreatment, and financial crimes. During her time with the department, she has developed a youth education program titled “BADGES,” which stands for building alliances, delivering guidance, and educating students. As a representative of the department, Koxlien serves on the recovery court team, the child death review team, and the school critical threat assessment team, and she is the head of the child maltreatment multidisciplinary team.

“Erica Koxlien leads with heart, honor, and a genuine commitment to the people of Trempealeau County, bringing collaborative leadership that strengthens safety, trust, and unity throughout our community,” said Osseo-Fairchild School District Superintendent Lori Whelan.

Koxlien was born and raised in Trempealeau County and lives in Osseo with her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. For the past year, she has also served as an instructor for the Western Technical College Law Enforcement Academy.

“As I assume the role of sheriff, I recognize that effective public safety is achieved through collaboration,” said Koxlien. “I look forward to working closely with our community partners and advancing practices that ensure a safer community for all residents of Trempealeau County.”