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Beyond the Trail | Paige and Maddie Woller, Carter and Ashton Kummet | Law Enforcement Academy Graduates
January 09, 2026
Two sisters and twin brothers grew up watching their fathers serve in law enforcement, gaining an early, unfiltered view of what the profession requires. They saw the long hours, the responsibility, and the commitment to community that comes with wearing a badge.
Each ultimately chose law enforcement for themselves — not out of obligation, but out of purpose.
The Woller Family: Serving the Community That Raised Them
Sisters Paige Woller and Maddie Woller both serve with the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, protecting the same northwestern Wisconsin community they grew up in.
Paige, a 2023 graduate of Northwood Technical College, knew early on that law enforcement was the path she wanted to take.
“I first knew I wanted a career in law enforcement around the age of 12 years old,” she said.
Watching her father, Mike Woller, serve the community played a significant role in shaping that decision. Woller has served with the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office since 2012, beginning his career as a part-time jail deputy before being hired full time. Over the years, he has served as a classification deputy responsible for inmate classifications and as a field training officer, training new hires. He was later promoted to the rank of sergeant and, in October 2022, was promoted to jail administrator.
From left, Paige Woller, Jessica Woller, Mike Woller and Maddie Woller pose together in front of a sheriff’s patrol vehicle.
“Watching my dad work in law enforcement had a significant impact on my career choice,” Paige said. “Seeing his dedication to serving the community inspired me to pursue a path where I could make a similar difference.”
When she shared her plans, Paige expected a mix of pride and concern.
“I figured my dad would be proud that I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but I also knew he might worry. I knew he’d be proud that I admired his work enough to want to do the same, but I also knew he’d think about the dangers and sacrifices that come with it.”
Maddie, a 2025 graduate of the Law Enforcement Academy, found her calling later than her sister.
“I first knew I wanted to be in law enforcement when I was a junior in high school,” she said.
Watching her father’s career influenced her decision, but Maddie was intentional about finding her own path.
“It definitely influenced me, but I also wanted to find my own path within it. Watching my dad’s career showed me what it takes, the long hours, the challenges, and the rewards, and it made me realize it’s a lifestyle I’m ready for too.”
When both of his daughters told him they wanted to pursue law enforcement, Mike said his reaction reflected both pride and concern.
“My first thought was a mix of pride, and concern,” he said. “I took pride knowing they saw value in the work that I have done, at the same time I couldn't help but feel protective, knowing the challenges and risks that come with this profession.”
Both sisters chose Northwood Tech because it was close to home, and their education and academy training prepared them for the realities of the job.
“My experience at Northwood Technical College was great,” Paige said. “I truly don’t have a single complaint during my time spent in my college classes and the academy. The instructors were very easy going and understanding, but also held the bar high and pushed us to succeed. All of my Criminal Justice instructors had backgrounds in the Criminal Justice field, which made my education and training intriguing and extremely beneficial. They shared stories/incidents that they encountered/had to deal with and made them into teaching moments which I continue to carry with me today.”
Maddie described a similar experience.
“Northwood Tech prepared me really well. The mix of classroom work and hands-on training helped me connect what we were learning to what actually happens on the job. The instructors pushed us to think critically, stay calm under pressure, and work as a team, all of which I use every day in my role now.”
Staying in northwestern Wisconsin was a deliberate decision for both sisters.
“Being from the area also meant I already felt invested in the community’s wellbeing. I wanted to protect the place that helped shape me, and make a difference where it mattered most to me personally,” Paige said.
“I wanted to stay in northwestern Wisconsin because it’s home. I know the people, the community, and the kind of calls we get here. It really made me want to serve where I grew up and make a difference close to home,” Maddie said.
Paige began her career with the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office before her sister was hired, but working together had long been a shared goal.
“I began my career with Sawyer County prior to my sister being hired. But working in the same department has been something we’ve talked about for years now, and has always been one of our goals. It wasn’t just about working in the same department, it was about continuing something we both care deeply about. We push each other to be better, and we know we can always rely on one another, not just as coworkers, but as sisters.”
Working alongside his daughters in the same agency has been especially meaningful for Mike.
“It is honestly one of the greatest honors of my life. It is an incredible feeling to stand shoulder to shoulder with them, serving the same community, and sharing the same commitment to help others. It is a special bond that goes beyond family, it’s a shared calling.”
That shared calling has strengthened the family’s bond beyond the workplace.
“Our shared career paths has strengthened our family bond, beyond words. It gives us a better, deeper understanding of one another. We know the challenges, the sacrifices, and the sense of purpose that comes with this job. We share a respect for what each other does, that only those that work this line of work understand. Even on our hardest days, we are here for each other, knowing we are all in this together.”
The Kummet Family: Service Shaped by Example
Twin brothers Carter Kummet and Ashton Kummet followed a family legacy into law enforcement, graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy and now serving as deputies with the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office.
For both brothers, the interest in law enforcement started early.
“Since I was in elementary school and that desire just grew more as I got older,” Carter said. “Hearing stories and the things they got to do was so intriguing and inspiring for me!”
“I have wanted to be a cop ever since I can remember,” Ashton said.
Growing up around the profession played a central role in shaping that interest.
From left, Riley Kummet, Carter Kummet, Ashton Kummet and Jodi Kummet stand together at Northwood Tech's law enforcement academy graduation.
Their father, Riley Kummet, has served in law enforcement for approximately 22 years. He began his career as a jailer with the Barron County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a patrol deputy, investigator, K-9 handler, and Emergency Response Team entry operator, team leader and commander. He recently transitioned to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, where he currently serves as a special agent. He is married to Barron County Sheriff Jodi Kummet.
When Carter shared his plans to pursue law enforcement, he knew the decision would come with concern.
“They were all skeptical and wanted a different career choice for me, understanding how law enforcement has changed and how dangerous it got, but they have always supported my decision and do whatever they can to help me succeed!” he said.
Ashton anticipated encouragement.
“I knew they would be very supportive of my decision,” he said.
Both brothers said their experience at Northwood Technical College prepared them well for the realities of law enforcement through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Supportive, accessible instructors helped bridge the gap between coursework and real-world expectations.
“It was great, my professors were awesome and helped with whatever I needed immediately, they were very personable,” Carter said.
“I would say it definitely prepared me in ways I didn’t think were possible. It prepared me in every aspect of the job,” Ashton said.
Staying in northwestern Wisconsin was an intentional choice for both deputies.
“I absolutely love the area. I knew I wanted to stay close to home, so working for Eau Claire County was perfect for me,” Ashton said.
Carter pointed to both lifestyle and service as motivators.
“I have a desire for the outdoors and many hobbies close to home, along with hunting and tracking deer for people with my dog. I also want to give back to communities that have helped me become the person I am today.”
Working in law enforcement alongside family has added another layer of meaning.
“It’s awesome, any questions I have they have an answer, they have helped me get to where I’m at and to me that’s very special, they give me such a great role model to look up too and give me goals to work towards every day,” Carter said.
“I find it very awesome and unique. There aren’t many jobs we get the opportunity to work alongside family members, so being able to do that is a blessing. It helps in many ways that aren’t quite describable. I’m very appreciative for those side of things,” Ashton said.
Serving alongside each other as twins has strengthened both brothers’ professional and personal bond.
“Having him [Ashton] next to me is something that is hard to explain, just the love and the amount of work ethic we have to help each other both succeed is pretty amazing,” Carter said. “We also push each other to become the best officers we can be which most people don’t get to experience.”
“When the opportunity presented itself, Carter and I knew we needed to jump on that opportunity. We have always worked so well together, so being able to work together professionally will continue to build that bond. It is an amazing feeling to work together,” Ashton said.
When Riley learned his children wanted to follow his path, his reaction reflected both pride and perspective.
“When my children told me they wanted to follow my path into law enforcement, my first thought was pride,” Riley said.
For Riley, watching his children choose the profession has added a new dimension to his own career.
“I felt honored that they saw value in the work I’ve dedicated my life to, enough to want to carry it forward themselves, even though my job took away from our family life at times. At the same time, I understood the weight of the profession with the risks, responsibility, and the sacrifices it demands. But above all, I felt humbled that they viewed this career as something worthy of their own future, and grateful that they trusted me to guide them as they step into a role built on service, integrity, and courage.”
More Than a Legacy
Across both families, the decision to pursue law enforcement reflects more than tradition.
Each graduate entered the academy with a clear understanding of the profession’s demands. They completed rigorous training, learned from instructors with real-world experience, and chose to serve communities they know and care about.
What connects them is not just family influence, but intention — a shared commitment to service, integrity and responsibility carried forward by the next generation.
