Meet your Hugo Deputies!

The City of Hugo contracts with the Washington County Sheriffs for policing services.  To contact the Sheriff's office in and emergency call 911.  The non-emergency number is 651- 439-9381.  For more information on the Sheriff's office, visit their website at https://www.co.washington.mn.us/468/Sheriffs-Office.

Sergeant Joseph Zerwas is a 17 year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and is also a proud veteran of the Air Force. He grew up in a law enforcement family. Shortly after joining the Sheriff’s Office, then Deputy Zerwas served in the Hugo City contract for three years. He was then assigned to the Drug Task Force Unit for three years, and later became Hugo’s first full-time dedicated investigator. Zerwas was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and has been serving Hugo in the capacity ever since.  Sergeant Zerwas has served as a defensive tactics instructor, firearms instructor, on the SWAT team and is a member of our Honor Guard. We are thankful for his steady and solid leadership.

Deputy Greg Reiter brings with him a great deal of experience in law enforcement. He has served with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 1997. Over the years he has served in our Patrol Division,  Water, Parks and Trails Unit, Court Security and Investigations.  While during his time in Investigations Greg became a certified negotiator for our SWAT team. He is recently engaged and enjoys time out doors on Minnesota’s many beautiful lakes.

Detective Anthony Jaring began his career with Washington County  Sheriff’s Office in 2016 as a Correctional Officer. He quickly earned the respect of his fellow Cos and Deputies alike and was promoted to Deputy within a year. While on patrol he served on the SWAT’s Tech Team, and shortly after Swat’s Tactical Team. Deputy Jaring is highly trained in the Martial Art of Jujutsu, and serves as a firearms instructor and defensive tactics instructor for other Sheriff’s Office personnel. He was assigned as the Hugo Investigator in 2022.

Deputy Jeffry Workman, grew up in Maplewood and is a proud veteran who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom as a Military Police Officer. He joined the Sheriff’s Office team in 2019, after serving as a police officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Since then, Deputy Workman has joined our SWAT team and is an active participate in our Community Engagement activities, including our Special Olympics Torch Run.

Deputy Ross Peterson grew up in Wyoming, MN in a law enforcement family. He was played sports in high school and was active on student council. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University and his Skills from Rochester Technical College. He joined the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. When not working, Deputy Peterson he enjoys playing and coaching sports. He has been known to dabble in fishing now and again.

During his interview for the position of Deputy Sheriff, Garett Zakrzewski stated his goal was to get hired as a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy and work hard to get assigned to the Hugo contract, so he could give back to the community he grew up in. Deputy Zakrzewski achieved his goal and was hired in August of 2022 and is now a part of our Hugo team! Deputy Zak attended White Bear Lake High School where he ran cross county. Deputy Zakrzewski attended Winona State where he participated in several internships and reserve programs for area police departments in an effort to gain more knowledge. Garett completed his Law Enforcement Skills at Rochester Community Technical College. When not working he is active, working out every day, hiking, camping and spending time with family and friends.

Hugo resident Deputy Cassie Rice enjoys all the good things life in Minnesota offers. From camping and hiking to kayaking and baking, Deputy Rice does it all. Deputy Rice grew up in the Blaine area, and spent six years working for the Minnesota Department of Corrections in Lino Lakes before trying her hand as a Law Enforcement Conservation Officer with the MN DNR. Luckily for us, Cassie joined our team in 2022 and quickly became an active member of our Community Engagement team. We are excited to add Deputy Rice’s positive energy and her highly developed communication skills to assist the residents of Hugo in their law enforcement service needs.  

Deputy Jacob Monsma a native of Denver, CO came to Minnesota by way of falling in love while attending college at Dordt University in Iowa. Upon receiving his Bachelor’s Degree and marrying his Minnesota sweetheart, they moved back to Minnesota where Jacob attended Hennepin Tech for his Law Enforcement Skills. He joined the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 2022.  Jacob graduated from DARE school in 2023. When not at work he enjoys the great outdoors rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing, camping and cooking.

Born and raised in North Branch, Deputy Alec Zachrison came to law enforcement by way of the Army National Guard and the US Army Reserves where he still serves.  After completing his Associates Degree at Century College and his Skills at Hennepin Tech, Alec worked in the restaurant industry where he gained experience and confidence in his communication skills before joining Washington County Sheriff’s Office in November of 2022. He is an active member of our Community Engagement Team and can be found at all kinds of events from job fairs to Fish with a Cop. Deputy Zachrison enjoys reading, hiking and traveling on his off-time.