About Us

The Wisconsin Narcotic Officers Association (WNOA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1990, comprised of over 350 active and retired Federal, State, County, and Municipal law enforcement officers, County Prosecutors, and Wisconsin State Crime Lab personnel. WNOA proudly represents each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and is committed to advancing education, training, and collaboration to combat the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking throughout the state. WNOA’s mission is to increase communication and coordination between officers and agencies involved in drug investigations within Wisconsin. By facilitating the exchange of intelligence, investigative techniques, equipment, and legislative updates, WNOA strengthens multi-agency efforts and promotes professional excellence in narcotics enforcement.

A cornerstone of the organization’s work is the delivery of high-quality training. WNOA hosts two premier, three-day annual conferences that draw hundreds of members and provide vital instruction on drug identification, investigation strategies, and case networking. These events have become go-to training venues for local, state, and federal agencies, offering critical learning opportunities at little or no cost to departments.

Beyond training, WNOA is committed to community support and development. The organization awards scholarships to high school seniors pursuing careers in law enforcement and supports several charitable causes, including the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund. Though not a lobbying body, WNOA actively monitors state and federal legislation affecting law enforcement and serves as a collective voice for narcotics officers through its broad coalition of members and partnerships with other state and national associations. WNOA remains dedicated to its dual mission: delivering the best possible training for narcotics enforcement and fostering strong inter-agency cooperation to better protect Wisconsin communities from the threat of illegal drugs.

Board of Directors

Rick Leach – Past President, Town of Osceola Police Department
Steve Deschler – President, Kenosha Police Department (Retired)
Jackie LaBre – Vice President, Manitowoc County District Attorney
Al Wysocki – 2nd Vice President, Brown County Sheriff’s Office
Casey Cox – Secretary, Prairie du Chien Police Department
Brian Ropicky, Historian, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office
Kristine Quam – Treasurer, Marshall Police Department

3 Year Term

Tony Gischia, WI DOJ-DCI
John Matthews, Wood County Sheriff’s Department  
Rich Amundson, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office
Josh Nieml, Clark County Sheriff’s Office 
Dakota Lenske, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office