Newest Shawano officer sworn in

The Shawano Police Department held a badge-pinning ceremony for its newest officer this week, welcoming Officer Keith Sorlie to the department The swearing-in Tuesday at City Hall was a formal tradition for new officers held for guests, family and friends who were on hand. Sorlie actually started with the department on Dec. 7. He filled the vacancy created by Jeff Lenzner, who left the department to join the state Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigations. “Keith completes our hiring process to reach the budgeted authorized strength of 20 sworn officers,” Chief Mark Kohl said. Sorlie left the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, where he was a detective, to join the Shawano police force. He started with the sheriff’s department in August 1995 as a patrol deputy and was promoted to detective in July 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and criminal justice. Kohl noted that Sorlie has a strong background and training in drug investigation, and is an instructor in unified tactics, such as firearms and defensive tactics. “We’re very proud to have Keith join our ranks, as he brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and that ‘guardian spirit,’” Kohl said.