Meet Carl G. Waterstreet - Door County Sheriff Candidate

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, Carl Waterstreet. I am a 46-year-old, married father of two incredible children, and my family is the foundation of everything I do. Currently, I serve as the Professional Standards Captain with the Door County Sheriff’s Office, a position I have proudly held for the past five years. My wife works as a legal assistant at Pinkert Law Firm, and our children have embraced lives of community service—my son as a firefighter and emergency medical responder while completing his degree in Fire Protection Technician at NWTC, and my daughter as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Door County Medical Center, preparing to pursue her Registered Nursing degree this fall. I was raised in a split household after my parents divorced when I was young, an experience that taught me resilience, balance, and empathy. While it came with challenges, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by love, support, and strong role models on both sides of my family. I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Door County, spending my childhood between Forestville and Algoma. I was raised with strong religious values, attending St. Mary’s Catholic School in Algoma before graduating from Southern Door High School—values that continue to guide my personal and professional life. Public service runs deep in my family—it’s more than a tradition, it’s a way of life. From an early age, I learned that serving your community doesn’t end when a shift does. It means showing up, giving back, volunteering, fundraising, and being there when your neighbors need you most. My father dedicated decades to public service as a firefighter, patrol deputy with the Door County Sheriff’s Office, and later as a town supervisor and chairman. My mother served her community for more than 30 years as an advanced EMT, CNA, and physical therapy assistant. My step-parents, siblings, and extended family have all answered the call to serve—as educators, firefighters, elected officials, lawyers, and law enforcement officers. Growing up in a family rooted in service taught me the true meaning of trust and accountability. In today’s world—where the actions of a few have too often tarnished the badge—I understand how critical trust is between law enforcement and the community. Trust is not assumed; it is earned through transparency, consistency, and action. I take that responsibility seriously and will work every day to earn and protect that trust, along with holding our deputies and staff accountable. For me, this is not about a title—it is about responsibility. It is about stability, accountability, and moving our community forward together. If entrusted to serve as Sheriff, I will lead with integrity, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to putting people and victims first. I do not seek to be a Sheriff who feels entitled to your support, but one who is worthy of it—by earning your confidence through my actions, my leadership, and my unwavering dedication to our community.