Cross will be Wadena County chief deputy

By Molly Miron
Bemidji Pioneer

Beltrami County Deputy Bill Cross served his last day in the Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday.

Cross, a Beltrami County deputy since 1971, will take the position of chief deputy for the Wadena County Sheriff’s Department.

Newly elected Wadena County Sheriff Michael Carr said he wanted Cross to help him with the department, which consists of mainly young law enforcement officers.

“I’m really excited to have him on; he brings a lot of knowledge,” Carr said.

Carr said he has 13 years of law enforcement experience in various areas of Minnesota and was a Wadena County deputy before being elected sheriff in November. He said he is originally from the Wadena area and that Cross has a second home in Wadena County where his wife lives.

Carr graduated from Bemidji State University and said knew Cross from those years and from contacts during law enforcement training events. He said he knows Cross will be loyal to him and help him develop the department.

“I’ve known Bill Cross since I moved to town in 1985 and think very highly of him,” said Sheriff Phil Hodapp, who was sworn in Tuesday. Cross ran against Hodapp for sheriff in the November election.

Hodapp said he wishes Cross the best of luck in his new position as chief deputy. “I think the citizens of Wadena County will be faithfully served by him,” Hodapp continued. “It’s important to recognize that Bill has been a servant of Beltrami County for 35 years and everyone at the Sheriff’s Office will miss his steady influence.”

Deputy Teri Gunsalus in a campaign support letter also praised Cross, saying he was one of her field training officers when she started on the force 19 years ago. She said he reminded her that communication, respect and listening would make her a good law enforcement officer.

Another letter of support came from Wynn Richardson, who emphasized Cross’ experience and common sense. Richardson said he occasionally went with Cross for ride-alongs. During those outings, he said he was impressed by Cross’ professionalism and ability to diffuse potentially explosive situations. He also noted Cross’ compassion for others.