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1950-1999 SECTION ON HISTORY OF

 

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1900-1949 section http://www.newadvent.org/images/navarrow-left.jpg  Other Segments  http://www.newadvent.org/images/navarrow-right.jpg 2000-2016 section   

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History of the

Watertown Police Department

Serving the community since 1853

 

1950

May          FIVE-MAN BOARD OF POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS

 

Attorney Kenneth Kolberg

Leonard Kramp, president

R. F. McLaughlin

T. J. Koerner

Ralph Busse

 

05 23       U. S. BONDS - INDEPENDENCE CAMPAIGN

      A REPLICA OF THE LIBERTY BELL

 

Watertown yesterday welcomed a replica of the Liberty Bell, one of 49 such bells now touring the nation in connection with the U. S. bonds - Independence campaign.

 

The above picture was taken shortly after the bell reached here, when it stopped in front of the Hornburg Motors building.

 

Roy Pfeiffer, president of the Watertown Association of Commerce, is shown standing atop the truck on which the bell is mounted, just before he struck the bell. 

 

During the day its tones were heard many times as it made stops in the downtown section of the city and at local schools and industrial plants.  In the forefront are, left to right:  Leonard G. Braunschweig of the local police department, Capt. Joseph Checkai of the local fire inspection bureau, City Manager Dean Van Ness and Mrs. John W. Keck, general chairman of the bond day program. 

 

Newell Parker of the Hornburg Motor organization was the chairman of the day.

 

The Ford Motor Co. is providing all of the transportation for the 49 bells now on tour.

 

06 05       E. LYLE FARRELL RESIGNS

    

E. Lyle Farrell, 204 N. Church, today submitted his resignation to Chief of Police Theodore C. Voigt.  It is understood that Officer Farrell plans to return to private work.  Before joining the force on Sept. 1, 1947, he was a mechanic for Dairy Distributors Inc., Co-op, now Dairy Lane Inc., Co-op.

 

06 09       BEER BOTTLES THROWN INTO SWIMMING POOL

Two Watertown boys, one 17 and the other whose age has not been given, will be questioned here in connection with the act of vandalism at Riverside park swimming pool earlier this week which has delayed opening of the pool for some time.  Park Policeman Glenn O’Brien picked up two boys in the park for being noisy and boisterous Wednesday night and they are to be questioned in connection with the pool incident.

 

Beer bottles were heaved into the pool, breaking into millions of tiny bits [pool apparently not yet filled with water].  The. entire pool will have to be cleaned and flushed to eliminate all particles of the glass before the pool can be used.  The park crew, under the supervision of Park Superintendent E. E, Brumm, had put in 30 man hours of work getting the pool ready when the incident took place Wednesday night, which has caused the delay in opening the swimming season here

 

07 31       PARKING METER ORDINANCE WENT INTO EFFECT

v         

Officer Leonard Braunschweig, Paul Klink (petroleum dealer), Arthur Mallow (contractor)

 

08 04       MARLYN MANN JOINS FORCE

     

Marlyn, age 27, named to succeed E. L. Farrell, who resigned to return to private work.  Mann is married and lives at 606 S. Third.  He is a veteran of WWII.

 

10 20       VOIGT BEGINS DUTIES AS FBI SPECIAL AGENT

 

Chief of Police Theodore C. Voigt has been named a special agent of the federal bureau of investigation, according to a report received here from Washington, D. C., where he has been since last month taking examinations for the position.

 

The chief is now on leave of absence as head of the Watertown police department, since his appointment as agent is for an indefinite period.  Under terms of a resolution which the city council adopted some time ago all city officials and employees who leave for emergency, wartime or special government duty, are fully protected in their position status here and in the pension and other rights.

 

Captain Herbert H. Vehlow, who has been serving as an acting chief of police, will continue in that capacity on a temporary basis, City Manager Dean Van Ness announced at the city hall today.

 

Chief Voigt’s appointment had been expected for some time.  In fact six months ago he revealed that he was under consideration for an appointment but asked that the announcement be withheld until it was actually confirmed.  He has now been sworn in as a special agent.

 

Voigt, who is 45, has been a member of the police department here since July 22, 1932.  He succeeded to the position of captain of police on Jan. 3, 1944 when he took over the duties of William Grossert who retired at that time.  On July 3, of the same year, he was appointed by the board of police and fire commissioners to be chief of police, succeeding Albert N. Quest, who died in office June 6, 1944.

 

From 1932 to 1939 Voigt served as a patrolman and on March 23, 1939 he was advanced to the rank of sergeant, serving in that capacity until his advancement to the police captaincy.

 

Before joining the police department he was a member of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1923 to 1927.

 

During the administration of Mayor Byron Wackett Ted Voigt was selected to attend a three-month course at the FBI academy in Washington, D.C.

 

1950s

ALFRED ( MICKEY ) KRAHN & MARLYN ( PECKY ) MANN

      L-R:  Alfred ( Mickey ) Krahn, Marlyn ( Pecky ) Mann or Norman Behlke, unknown civilian

 

PEA COAT (OR REEFER), BRIDGE COAT AND CAP

        Belonged to Sergeant Palmer J "Fuzzy" Freres 

 

1951

04 16       FLOYD MILLER joined Department (retired in 1983).

 

05 09       EDWARD WILDES joined Department

  

Plans to add another man to the Watertown police department, bringing the total force to 15 men, including the chief, are being discussed here.  At the same time, it was announced today that Edward T. Wildes has been named to the department to fill a vacancy caused by the recent resignation of Patrolman Robert Harthun who is leaving to accept a position with an insurance company.

 

Wildes has been a member of the Jefferson county traffic police for a number of years.

 

Wildes was confirmed for the position by, the board of police and fire commissioners on May 1, but announcement was withheld until today to iron out some technicalities in the commission’s rules, according to Theodore Koerner, secretary of the board.  Wildes will begin his duties on the night force May 15, bringing the force to 14 men.

 

Watertown now has 13 policemen. including chief of police Herbert Vehlow who is serving in that capacity during the absence, on leave of Chief Theodore C. Voigt.  The other 12 members are Captain Patrick Kunitz, Sgt. Hilbert Eisfeldt, Sgt. Alfred Krahn, and Leonard Braunschweig, John Bentheimer, Gordon G. Gerth, Melvin Wendt, Clarence Tessmann, Edward Dusowsky, Marlyn K. Mann, John Crandall and Floyd Miller.  After May 15 it will have 14 men.

 

Plans to add another man to the department are to be laid before the city council with a request that the extra man be provided for in the coming budget.  The city is held to be under-policed at this time.

 

c.1951

DEPARTMENT GROUP PHOTO

  

Leonard Braunschweig, Melvin Wendt, Alfred (Mickey) Krahn, Clarence Tessmann, Norman Behlke, Robert J. Harthun, Palmer J "Fuzzy" Freres, Gordon Gerth, Hilbert Eisfeldt, Marlyn Mann, Chief Theodore Voigt, Herbert Vehlow, Patrick Kunitz, Edward Dusowsky.

 

ALFRED (MICKEY) KRAHN

A picture containing text, outdoor, tree, person

Description automatically generated       

 

1952

-- --           ERNEST KUBLY, Officer from 1952-1955.  Died 03 13 2015.

 

04 14       OFFICER EDWARD WILDES RETIRES

       Effective May 1st  / Joined dept in 1951.

 

04 16       POLICE ELIGIBLE LIST ADDITIONS

  

 

1953

05 22       OFFICER JOHN BENTHEIMER DIES SUDDENLY.  Officer from 1943-1953. 

Second of Two Heart Attacks Proves Fatal

 

John F. Bentheimer, 45, of 305 South Seventh Street, a member of the Watertown Police Department for the past ten years, died late yesterday afternoon in St. Mary’s Hospital after suffering the second of two heart attacks.

 

Mr. Bentheimer, who had never complained about a heart condition but who recently had not been feeling well due to a gall bladder condition, went to a physician’s office yesterday afternoon to consult about his health.  He suffered a slight heart attack in the doctor’s office and was immediately taken to the hospital in the Meyer ambulance.  At the hospital he suffered a second and more severe attack while in the elevator which was taking him to a room in an upper part of the building.  He died in the elevator.  Death occurred about 4:23 o’clock.

 

Only Wednesday the officer had returned from Superior where he had been the delegate from the local department to the annual convention of the Wisconsin Policemen’s Protective Association.  He was in good spirits and had talked over some of the convention proceedings with fellow officers.    Link to obit  

 

1954

--             1954 REPORT

The one great lack of the department [1954] is a modern office and modern and spacious quarters.  This is one of the crying needs for better police work and greater efficiency.  The present quarters have been inadequate for many years.

 

In addition to Chief Voigt, the 1954 police force consisted of the following:

 

Inspector Herbert Vehlow, Captain Patrick Kunitz, Patrolmen Leonard G. Braunschweig, Alfred A. Krahn, Hilbert C. Eisfeldt, Gordon Gerth, and Melvin Wendt, Sgt. Clarence Tessmann and Patrolmen Marlyn K. Mann, Edward Dusowsky, John W. Crandall, Floyd H. Miller, Norman F. Behlke, Ernest V. Kubly and Robert D. Lund.

 

New Park Policeman.  Walter Kressin took over his duties as park policeman and will also serve as a special police officer whenever demands arise.  He succeeded the late Glen W. O'Brien.

 

Aside from the chiefs of police and others mentioned, the department has been fortunate in the rank and file membership over the years.  The late Michael Bolger, for many years police captain, was among the outstanding police officers.  Others included the late Lucius Bruegger, Arthur Zimmermann, Herbert Weis, Arthur Glaser, and John Bentheimer.

 

Among the men living in 1954 and who served the department ably and well for many years were Arthur Doerr, Capt. William Grossert and Capt. John Novotny and Ray Brier.

 

04 14       NEW PARK POLICEMAN

Walter H. Kressin, 1012 Labaree Street, last night was approved by the Board of Police and Fire Commission to be the city’s new park policeman.  He succeeds the late Glenn O’Brien.  He was recommended for the position by Chief of Police Theodore C. Voigt from a list of men who were under consideration.  Mr. Kressin will begin his duties on May 1, the board reported this morning.  Mr. Kressin is a driver for the Wisconsin Transit Lines, Inc., operator of the Watertown bus service.  At one time he was associated with the Watertown Squab Company.

 

June         MUSTACHE GROWN

      Officer Melvin Wendt

Mustache was grown for the 1954 city centennial celebration contest.   

 

June         OFFICERS EMEGE FROM BRUSH

       Officers Alfred Krahn and Melvin Wendt

 

c.1954

  

Edward Dusowsky, Patrick Kunitz, Norman Behlke, __?__, Gordon Gerth

 

1955

-- --           OFFICER EARL R. EBERT JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1955

 

1955-1966 

HERBERT F. VEHLOW, Chief of Police

               

 

1955-69

EARL EBERT, 1955-1969

Died at age 47 (b.1921, d. 04 28 1969), resided at 1302 Hutson Dr.  Served on the force 14 years

 

1955c

   Gay Theder, Asst Fire Chief, Herb Vehlow, Police Chief, Dean Van Ness, City Manager, Al Linde, Fire Chief.

 

1956

RULES AND REGULATIONS Governing the Watertown Fire Department

SECTION 25. To Assist Police.  It shall be the duty of every member of the Dept. to assist the Police Officers in making arrests or quelling disturbances when called upon to do so when away from Company Quarters.  Whenever word is sent to Quarters asking for assistance to the Police, the commanding officer in Quarters shall detail as many men as may be necessary for the occasion, provided that not less than the minimum number of men required by Dept. rules shall remain in Quarters for duty in case of fire.   Riedl, Ken, Watertown Fire Department: 1858-2007, 2007, pg 314

 

01 15       LOUIS A. KOHLS appointed to the department.

 

02 10       PAY RAISES FOR POLICE/FIRE

Thirty-four city employees, including 15 members of the Police Department, 16 members of the Fire Department, the Street Department superintendent and his assistant and the city electrical inspector are due to receive an additional $240 per year salary each starting Feb. 1. The total increase will amount to $8,160 per year.  The new salary schedules, if approved, will be as follows:

 

For policemen and firemen, first year men, $3,840

. . . second year, $3,960

. . . . . . third year and thereafter, $4,200

. . . . . . . . . chiefs, $5,160

. . . . . . . . . . . . assistant chiefs, $4,560

 

. street superintendent, $5,160

. . assistant, $4,360

. . . electrical superintendent, $3,480

 

INFLATION ADJUSTER:   $1000 in 1956 = $10, 235 today (2021)

 

02 29       KENNETH CEITHAMER

Watertown’s newest police officer, Kenneth Ceithamer, will begin his duties on March 1, going on the night shift, it was announced today by Police Chief Herbert F. Vehlow.  The addition of this the 17th man to the force, will make possible a shift in the police lineup.  Under it, Sgt. Clarence Tessmann will be assigned to the day shift starting March 1.  He is taking a voluntary demotion to patrolman to get the daytime assignment.  Officer Earl Ebert will be assigned to a late night shift as a result of the change.  Resigned Sept. 15, 1967

 

AUTO SAFETY CHECKS

Summer     

Otto Lierman, mechanic, Officer Melvin Wendt, Mrs. John Miller, driver

 

1957

02 07       Chief of Police gets Private Office

With the remodeling of the old cell block in the City Hall jail about to begin, Chief of Police Herbert F. Vehlow will for the first time have his own private office in the Police Department quarters.  Work on the remodeling will be done by William F. Bloedorn who was awarded the contract on a bid by the City Council.  It calls for a $1,200 expenditure.  The plans call for a partition to be constructed, topped by a false ceiling with a deep cabinet at the west end of the cell block portion.  A new doorway will be cut into the present west wall of the police quarters main office, leading into the new office of the chief.

 

12 17       Richard Reynolds, patrolman; Gordon Gerth, sergeant  

Richard Reynolds, 24, of 461 South Concord Avenue, last night was named to the position of patrolman on the Watertown Police Department effective Jan. 1, 1958.  He will fill the newly created position of an extra patrolman recently authorized by the City Council.  The appointment was made by the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners.  Reynolds has been working part-time on the department.  The board also approved the promotion of Officer Gordon Gerth to the rank of sergeant in the Police Department.   WDT

 

In January 1958, Richard Reynolds, age 24, was hired as a patrolman of the Watertown Police Department.  Herbert Vehlow was then chief of police, having joined the department in 1940, and served as chief from 1955 to 1966.  According to the 1958 newspaper item, Vehlow added a comment when he announced the addition of a patrolman to the police force.  "That one will make a good officer," Vehlow said.   WDT article 03 20 1982

 

-- --           BILL CONNOR JOINED AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE

Bill Connor joined the Watertown Auxiliary Police force in 1957, serving 52 years, the last 30 as captain.  Then Chief Charles McGee presented Bill with the Watertown Police Department Exemplary Service Award for 50 years of selfless and dedicated service to the citizens of Watertown and the Watertown Police Department, and on retirement received a plaque at Riverfest from Chief Tim Roets on Aug. 9, 2009.

 

1958

06 12       ENFORCEMENT OF BICYCLE CODE

 

   Department personnel, c1958

 

10 15       CHIEF VEHLOW WITH BOY SCOUTS

 

1959

July          LOUIS KOHLS

     

 

1960

03 09       JAN RICKERMAN

Jan D. Rickerman, of 508 Carl Schurz Drive, will begin his duties as a patrolman on the Watertown Police Department next week, April 16, following his recent appointment by the board of police and fire commissioners.  Mr. Rickerman has been an insurance representative here for the Northwestern National Life Insurance Co.  He is a native of the Farmington area but has lived here most of his life.  He is married and the father of two sons.

 

06 17       WATERTOWN CIVIC CENTER, Police Dept station would be part of plan 

A plan which, if carried out, will take care of a new fire station, new police station, the post office building, and also provide different quarters for the recreation department will be presented to the city council at its meeting tonight.  It will be offered by the City Plan Commission, which has been delegated by the council to come up with some possible sites for a new post office building.  The commission's suggestions were informally presented to the city council yesterday afternoon when the council held its committee session.  No details of the plan were revealed at the city hall today, but it is understood that the plan encompasses a Watertown Civic Center which would include most of the square block bordered by Madison and Jones Streets, and North First and North Second Streets.   WDT

 

09 14       RADAR

Radar is the newest device which the Watertown Police Department has acquired to nab unwary motorists who exceed the speed limit. The equipment replaces the electric timer which the department had used for the last couple of years. In using the timer equipment, two lines were placed across the road. In the radar equipment, a two-pronged device is attached to the side of the squad car7The device shoots a beam for at least three blocks. As soon as a car comes in range of the beam, the speed of the vehicle is noted on a speedometer, a black box on top of the hood of the car. Other equipment is placed in the rear seat of the squad car. The equipment, which cost nearly $1,100, was placed in operation about 10 days ago.   WDT

 

-- --           MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE

   

 

-- --           TURNER HALL OFFERED TO CITY FOR POLICE & FIRE STATION

City Assessor Note:  1960-61, Turner Hall offered to city for police & fire station, $75,000

 

1960

Jan           CAUGHT IN THE ACT

     Officer Leonard Braunschweig feeding the ducks at Tivoli island

 

c.1960

Feb          OFFICER MELVIN WENDT

     On patrol.  609 N. Water St.

 

CAR SAFETY CHECKS

   Officer Melvin Wendt, mechanic Carl Raue, Watertown citizen

Watertown Police and mechanics from different garages perform auto safety checks on Main in front of Recreation building.

 

1961

02 18       PLANS FOR A NEW FIRE AND POLICE STATION    

On block then housing the recreation building had two strikes against it.   WDT

 

03 03       SUB-STANDARD CONDITION OF POLICE AND JAIL QUARTERS

The city council which is currently involved in a long standing hassle over plans to provide new police department and jail facilities got another warning - a stern one and one that may well be final - from the state last night relative to the present and long-standing sub-standard condition of police department and jail quarters housed in the city hall - the same space and quarters the department has been forced to occupy since the present city hall was built in 1884.  Last night's warning, by letter and signed by V.A. Verhulst, representing the division of corrections, Wisconsin State Department of Public Welfare, was the latest in a series of proddings by the state that the city do something to clear up the jail issue without further delay.   WDT

 

03 21       PROPOSITION ON NEW POLICE AND FIRE BUILDING

With only one more regular meeting remaining for the present city council and with the deadline for action on the proposed and long-argued and hotly debated question of a new police and fire department building running out, the issue now will go over into the new administration which is expected to have its share of headaches before it can resolve the proposition one way or another.  At last night’s meeting of the council, an attempt was made to approve a plan calling for a new financing venture but it lost 4 to 2.  Under the original plan, the structure, also known as the safety building, was to be financed with a $400,000 bond issue.  The new plan, contained in a resolution which was introduced last night, would have divided the financing — 50 per cent through a bond issue and the other 50 per cent by means of a ten year loan negotiated through Watertown banks.  The banks had agreed to this plan in the event it was adopted.   WDT

 

04 14       LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS PROJECT TRAINING SCHOOL

   Melvin Wendt certificate

Practical aspects of burglary investifation

 

05 11       State of Wisconsin through waiting for the city to bring city hall jail quarters up to standard.

 

06 28       Old post office bldg proposed as police headquarters.   WDT

 

1962

   ALFRED KRAHN

 

Memorial Park Site for New City Hall 

Edward H. Dusowsky elected commander of American Legion Post   

 

June         OFFICER BRAUNSCHWEIG CHECKS UP ON HIS NIECES

  

 

12 15       WALKIE-TALKIE CONSIDERED

The Watertown Police Department may get its first walkie-talkie after the first of the year.  At the present time there remains as a surplus in the police department budget fund the sum of $983 which could be used for such equipment, estimated to cost slightly over $700 to get the new service started.  However, members of the common council and Mayor Robert P. White said they feel that this should not be used just because it looms as a surplus at the end of the year, that using it for the equipment would set a precedent that might result in similar requests to spend surplus funds by other departments at or near the end of the year.

 

1963

AL LINDE AND HERB VEHLOW

     Al Linde and Herb Vehlow, Fire and Police Chiefs, at 1963 ground-breaking.

 

August      POLICE CALLED FOR SKUNK TRAPPED AT HOME OF GB LEWIS PRESIDENT

     Home of GB Lewis president (Gordon and Hazel Frater, 228 Elizabeth St)

 

From August 1963 company newsletter  /  RE: Gordon and Hazel Frater

 

Much has been written about our business and now comes a story

 

"HOW THE BOSS ALMOST GOT THE BUSINESS"

 

It all came about because there is a basement window well right near the front door of the last house on the South side of Elizabeth Street, next to the river.  On return from church on Sunday, the boss’ wife gave a gasp, pulled him through the front door, and quickly slammed it.

 

Then came the period of trying to solve quite a bad problem.  How do you get rid of a skunk that apparently fell in the window well and couldn’t jump out?  One thing was learned, don’t call the members of the Conservation Club for information on Sunday, because they are all out conserving. 

 

As a last resort call the Police Department because they are always on the job, and they advised, "Don’t shoot the animal, because it will have the last word before it dies.  You might try cyanide gas, but the drug stores are all closed.  Anyway, it isn't safe to use cyanide unless you know how.  One of the firemen knows how, but he is sick in the hospital," and finally, "You might try putting a board down and maybe the skunk will leave during the night.”

 

Imagine being a back door Johnny all day Sunday because your front door is under armed guard.

 

On the advice of the Police Department, a board was prepared with nice climbing cleats on it to make it easy for the skunk to exit.  Now if you think you can slide a board over the edge of a metal window well without a sound, just forget it.  There was a sound, the skunk moved fast and so did the boss (around the corner of the house).

 

Thank goodness the skunk was down in a hole and shoots horizontally.  Incidentally, this story is on the level, even if the climbing board was on a slant.

 

During the night the skunk left, probably because he or she didn't like the odor around the place.

 

The odor still remains to prove that the Watertown Police Department are real helpful, even if they can’t foretell everything that will happen.

 

1964

04 21       LOCAL SCHOOL SAFETY PATROLS

Lt. Alfred Krahn of the Watertown Police Department told the Watertown Safety Council last night at the Legion Green Bowl how the city saves $36,000 from its budget every year.  Local School Safety Patrols, protecting crossings near all elementary schools accomplish this.  These school children, conscientiously doing their volunteer jobs every school day, in good weather or bad, have never had an accident occur while they were on duty, the officer said.   WDT

 

1965

05 16       SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL TO WISCONSIN DELLS

Police officials and the Watertown Safety Council are making final preparations to send the members of the Watertown School Safety Patrol to the 22nd annual Wisconsin Congress of School Safety Patrols at Wisconsin Dells, following receipt this morning of the program that is being planned for the more than 3,000 young people and chaperones who will attend from all parts of the state.  Through the efforts of the safety council and an appropriation from the common council, a fund was raised this year to send the membership of the patrol here to the gathering.  This is the first time this has been done. In previous years only those students who could pay or had their fee paid were in attendance.   WDT

 

11 24       CHIEF VEHLOW RESIGNS

Herbert F. Vehlow, chief of police of Watertown, has submitted his resignation and has asked that it take effect with his retirement on Jan. 4.  Chief Vehlow, who resides at 310 East Water Street, was absent from his desk yesterday because of illness.  His resignation was prompted by reasons of health, since he is subject to a mild heart condition.  WDT

 

12 11       PROCEDURE IN SELECTING NEXT CHIEF

The board of police and fire commissioners will meet next Monday evening to take up the matter of procedure in selecting the next chief of police of Watertown.  The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 4:30 p.m.  The board, it was learned, does not intend to act hastily and it will be some time next year before a successor to Chief Herbert F. Vehlow is selected.   WDT

 

1966

01 20       CHIEF POSITION VACANT

Watertown’s position of chief of police was vacant today following the effective date of Chief Herbert F. Vehlow’s resignation yesterday.  He announced his retirement some weeks ago upon advice of his physician.  The board of police and fire commissioners will meet on Feb. 7 to check on the list of applications filed for consideration as appointees.  Applications will be received until Feb. 1.  At present there are applications from several members of the department as well as from several other cities, including Milwaukee and Portage.   WDT

 

02 22       COMMISSIONERS TO SELECT NEW CHIEF

Watertown’s five-member board of police and fire commissioners will select the city’s new chief of police, now that all interviews with the ten applicants for the position have been completed.  The board consists of Leonard B. (Duke) Kramp, Seth Perry, Carl V. Kolata, Attorney Paul Hibbard and Frank H. Kreitzman.  The ten men under consideration include four from out of the city and six from Watertown, all members of the police department.   WDT

 

02 24       MARLYN K. MANN, NEW CHIEF OF POLICE

M. K. Mann, 43, member of the Watertown Police Department since Aug. 1, 1950, was named Watertown’s new chief of police by the board of police and fire commissioners.  The announcement came at 6:10 p.m.  Mr. Mann, who has held the rank of police sergeant, resides at 207 Clark Street.  He was one of six members of the department who had applied for the appointment and was selected by the five-man commission following a series of interviews with not only the six Watertown men but four from out of town who also had filed application.  Mr. Mann assumed his new duties today.  He replaces Herbert F. Vehlow who retired as chief on Jan. 24.   WDT

 

02 27       CAPT. PATRICK KUNITZ RETIREMENT

Capt. Patrick Kunitz, 55, one of Watertown's veteran police officers, announced shortly after 8 o'clock this morning, upon his arrival at police headquarters, that he is retiring on pension and that he would make application to that effect immediately. He has been eligible for retirement for some time. He has been a police officer here for 26 years. Capt. Kunitz joined the police force on Jan. 4, 1940, when he was recommended for appointment by the late chief of police, Albert Quest. He became police sergeant in 1945.    WDT

 

03 01       MORE ON KUNITZ RETIREMENT

Attempts to have Capt. Patrick Kunitz of the Watertown Police Department reconsider his announced decision to retire on pension as soon as the pension board can act on his application have failed and the pension board will meet next week to take up his request.  Granting of the pension is automatic, since he has the required number of years to his credit and is in the age bracket to enable him to retire.  He is 55. Capt. Kunitz made public his decision to retire shortly after 8 o’clock yesterday morning upon his arrival at police headquarters.  Later in the day he sent his formal request to the proper officials, with one copy going to the office of the mayor and one to the pension board.  Capt. Kunitz told the Times in his announcement yesterday morning that he plans to remain in law enforcement work after he retires from the police force on pension.   WDT

 

03 04       SAFE CRACKED

      Location Elks Club, 117 N First St

Police Dept Photo dated 03 24 1966, 7:24 a.m. 

 

03 15       LOUIS A. KOHLS promoted to sergeant

 

04 02       DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION

Plans to reorganize the police department were outlined to members of the common council at their committee meeting last night by Chief M. K. Mann.  Under the new plan, the position of captain and assistant chief will be abolished and will be replaced by an officer to be known as inspector of police.  The chief also intends to create two more police lieutenants so that there will be one lieutenant on each of the work shifts along with a sergeant.  WDT

 

05 01       BOEDER, LEHMANN, AND WEHNER HIRED

The Watertown Police Dept. has hired three officers, filling the replacement for Victor Herschi and two newly created positions.  The men filling these positions are Ronald W. Boeder, Ernest E. Lehmann, and Dale R. Wehner.  Boeder has eight years previous experience on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Dept. as patrolman.  Wehner and Lehmann will begin work on March 19, at which time they will begin a 400-hour, 10 week recruit training program at Blackhawk Tech in Beloit.   WDT

 

05 10       TESSMANN NAMED POLICE LIEUTENANT

Clarence A. Tessmann, 910 Clark Street, a member of the Watertown Police Department since July 1, 1947, has been named police lieutenant, it was announced by Chief of Police M. K. Mann.  The appointment becomes effective tomorrow.  Mr. Tessmann began his service with the department as a patrolman and served in that capacity until July 15, 1951 when he was advanced to the rank of sergeant.  On March 1, 1956, he requested a demotion to patrolman in order to assume daytime duties and that has again been his rank up to now.   WDT

 

05 31       POLICE Lt. HILBERT EISFELDT <> 1910-1966

Lt. Eisfeldt joined the police department on June 21, 1944 and became a sergeant on Jan. 1, 1948 but on Nov. 15, 1952 turned in his sergeant's rating in order to be assigned to daytime duty.  On May 1, 1960 he was again advanced to the rank of sergeant and on April 15 of this year was promoted to the rank of police lieutenant.     Full text 

 

11 04       REYNOLDS TO JUVENILE DIVISION

Richard L. Reynolds, 504 Elm Street, a member of the Watertown Police Department since Jan. 1, 1958, has assumed his new duties in the juvenile division of the department, it has been announced by Chief of Police M. K. Mann.  Officer Reynolds will work closely with Police Inspector Alfred Krahn who has been in charge of juvenile cases since that division was formed.  Chief Mann said that the number of juvenile cases and juvenile investigations has increased in recent years to such an extent that another man was needed to help handle all the cases that come up.

 

1966-1971 

MARLYN K. MANN, Chief of Police

   Profile of Marlyn Mann

 

1967

01 11       WATERTOWN MERCHANTS POLICE

Watertown Merchants Police, a service provided to business places and manufacturing plants as well as homes, owned and operated by John Novotny, Sr., of 500 South Third Street, has announced the installation of a new two-way radio system to insure greater efficiency and maximum rapid service.  Besides Mr. Novotny, a retired police captain, the service employs two full-time and two part-time officers.  Three patrol cars, equipped with two-way radios, can be readily contacted from the base station located in the Novotny residence.   WDT

 

03 11       KEITH BECKER HIRED

Watertown’s new police officer is Keith A. Becker, 23, of 423 North Church Street, it was announced by Chief of Police M. K. Mann.  The appointment has the approval of the board of police and fire commissioners.  The new officer, who is single, resides with his mother, Mrs. Helen Becker.  He is a graduate of Watertown High School and has been an employee of the city parks department.  He begins his duties as of March 15 but before being assigned to nighttime duty will undergo two weeks of special training and briefing to prepare him for the assignment.   WDT

 

06 24       GERTH PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT DETECTIVE

Lt. Gordon Gerth of the Watertown Police Department today assumed the rank of lieutenant detective to which he was appointed, Chief of Police M. K. Mann announced this morning.  He has been a member of the department since Jan. 1, 1946, when he was named a patrolman on the night shift.  Two years later he was promoted to the rank of sergeant on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift, in which capacity he served until May 1960 when he resigned that position to take daytime duty.  On May 15, 1966 he was again promoted to the rank of sergeant on the day shift and on the first of July of this year he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

 

07 15       KOHLS AND EBERT PROMOTED

Two members of the Watertown Police Department today assumed new titles as a result of promotions approved by the police and fire commissioners and Chief of Police M. K. Mann.  Sgt. Louis A. Kohls has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift.  He joined the department in 1956 and has been instrumental in establishing the photography division in the department.  He replaces Lt. Clarence A. Tessmann who has been transferred to a lieutenancy on the day shift.  Officer Earl R. Ebert, who joined the department in 1955, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift.  He was transferred to day shift in 1966 after having worked on the night shift.

 

07 17       BICYCLES ON MAIN STREET SIDEWALKS

Chief of Police M. K. Mann told the common council last night that plans are underway to work out a system of coping with the problems raised by youngsters who are riding bicycles along the sidewalks in Main Street, already congested because of the Main Street reconstruction project.  The chief made his statement in reply to a question in which the “menace” of the bicycle riders was raised.  Mann said that as soon as a policy has been worked out it will be made public.”  We can’t arrest these youngsters, of course,” the chief said, “but we are working on a system whereby violators will be warned and their parents notified.  Riding privileges may even be taken away if repeated violations persist.”

 

 

09 14       OFFICER CEITHAMER RESIGNATION

Officer Kenneth R. Ceithamer has submitted his resignation from the Watertown Police Department effective Sept. 15.  Officer Ceithamer's resignation has been accepted by the board of police and fire commissions.  He has been a member of the Watertown Police Department since March 1, 1956

 

Prior to joining the department Mr. Ceithamer served three years with the Oconomowoc Police Department and four years as a military policeman with the U. S. Army.  A native of Watertown, he is married and the father of five children.  He resides at 708 West Main Street.

 

12 23       OFFICERS JOHN MEYERS, WILLIAM LUECK, GERALD ARNDT

Two new police officers will be on the police force starting January 1.  They are John A. Meyers, 754 North Water Street, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Meyers, and William E. Lueck of 1215 Randolph Street. Meyers, 23, is a graduate of Watertown High School.  He is a veteran having served in the Marine Corps for four years and three months.  Part of his service time was spent in Vietnam.  His wife is the former Susan Koshelnick.  Lueck, 37, is a life long resident of Watertown, and was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard unit here for eight years.  He is married to the former Margaret Hoeffler. 

 

Meyers replaces Gerald C. Arndt, who submitted his resignation, effective January 1.  He will become a full-time employee in the service department at Warren-Schey.  Arndt had joined the department on April 1, 1966.

 

1968

01 17       POLICE CUSHMAN SCOOTERS

   Officer Floyd Miller and Police Chief Mann

 

Two enclosed Cushman three wheeled motor scooters were placed in service, to be used in checking parking meters and non-metered parking areas.

 

02 09       CITY HALL DEMOLISHED

 

02 12       METER MAID TO BE ENGAGED

A meter maid is to be engaged by the police department.  At a meeting of the police and fire commission the commission authorized the acceptance of applications.  Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.  Application forms can be obtained at the police department.  Deadline for filing of applications is March 1.  The police and fire commission will interview applicants beginning at 7:30 o’clock on March 4 in the Municipal Building.

 

WATERTOWN'S FIRST METER MAID

   Barbara [Donald] Lee Wiese:  Employed 04/01/1968 to 03/08/74.  Graduate of Oostberg High School and attended the U of WI-Oshkosh.  As meter maid she patrolled the city's parking meters for improper and overtime parking.  Also assumed duties of police matron for women prisoners.

 

02 13       WATERTOWN MERCHANTS POLICE ACQUIRED

Watertown Merchants Police, which had been owned and operated by the late John Novotny, has been acquired by Arnold J. Mueller, who resides on County Trunk E.  Mr. Mueller is now employed by Hein-Werner at Waukesha.  He will complete his work with this firm this week, after which he will devote full time to his new business.  The same personnel is being employed by Mr. Mueller. T he Watertown Merchant Police was established by the late Joseph Stacy.  Following his death, the business was acquired by Mr. Novotny in July of 1956. Mr. Novotny had joined Mr. Stacy in the business on Aug. 1, 1951, following his retirement from the Watertown police department.  He was a captain with the department..

 

03 23       METER MAID WIESE, OFFICER LAVERN SCHUMANN APPOINTED

Police Chief M. K. Mann today announced two appointments, one of Watertown’s first meter maid and the other of a new police officer, as authorized by the board of police and fire commissioners.  The meter maid is Barbara Lee Wiese who will begin her duties next Monday morning, April 1 as will the new officer, Lavern E. Schumann who replaces Officer William Lueck who has submitted his resignation effective March 31.  He joined the department on Jan. 1.  Officer Schumann, who is 22, resides at 608 South Second Street.  He will begin his duties as a patrolman.

 

04 01       LAVERN E. SCHUMANN

Patrolman Schumann, 22, began duties as a patrolman, replacing Officer William E. Lueck who submitted his resignation effective March 31.  He joined the department on Jan. 1.  He was a graduate of Watertown High School, a veteran of Vietnam, having served with the U. S. Army as infantry team leader and grenadier.  [Wedding of]    [Profile of, WDTimes] 

 

04 25       SAFETY INSTRUCTION

                WHS_005_WPD_076sm.jpg     Officer believed to be Floyd Miller

 

05 16       RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS IN CASES OF EMERGENCY

To insure the greatest possible protection for life and properties in cases of emergency, the common council at its meeting Tuesday night will take up a resolution which will permit local law enforcement authority, as vested in the chief of police, to enter into reciprocal agreements with counties and other municipalities to provide mutual assistance in the event of emergencies which are of such magnitude that the law enforcement agency of one particular municipality or county could find it impossible to handle.  The resolution provides that the chief of police (M. K. Mann) be authorized and directed to negotiate with the chiefs of police and the sheriffs of other municipalities and counties as he may deem advisable.

 

06 22       HELMETS REQUIRED

The Watertown Police Department today called attention to the new law which goes into effect July 1 under which all motorcyclists are required to wear protective headgear.  Helmets must meet specific requirements under the law and are to be strictly enforced.  Football helmets are ruled out since they do not meet state standards.  So also are old army helmets, police said.  Neither was designed to protect the skull of a cyclist who has just been pitched off his motorcycle.

 

07 01       BRAUNSCHWEIG REPLACES GERTH

    Gerth                 Braunschweig

Patrolman Leonard Braunschweig, a member of the department since Jan 2, 1942, appointed sergeant, replacing Gordon Gerth on the day shift.  Gerth appointed lieutenant, replacing the late Lt. Herbert C. Eisfeldt

 

08 27       JAIL PASSES INSPECTION

Watertown’s jail has been given a clean bill of health following the latest routine inspection by the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Corrections, State of Wisconsin.  The inspection was made Aug. 20 and today Chief of Police M. K. Mann received a letter giving the results.  The letter, signed by Vern A. Verhuist, states that the “Watertown jail, as usual, was found to be excellent in regard to cleanliness, sanitation and appearance and given routine and regular cleaning and care procedures.

 

Nov          OFFICER HENRY LEHMANN

LETTER OF THANKS, from the Chief

 

12 19       SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS

The Watertown Police Department has 19 school crossing guards employed for duty at the four public grade schools in Watertown.  There are 16 posts in the city.  Following are the school crossing guards: Robert W. Backhaus, Norma R. Beatty, Mary L. Bedford, Beverley J. Dehnert, Joseph F. Fehlen, Roy E. Godfroy, Phyllis R. Guetzlaff, Emil J. Jacobson, Delores M. Klug, Evelyn L. McFarland, Janet L. Meyer, Rita C. Muir, Sarah Pratt, Gerhard Saniter, Lester J. Schroeder, Raymond M. Voigt, Dorothy Wallace. Substitute guards are James R. Reynolds and Mary L. Thauer.

 

1969

01 10       EUGENE GERSTNER / WILLIAM LAMBERTON

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Officer Gerstner is a graduate of Lake Mills High School and was previously employed at Lindberg Hevi-Duty. 

 

Patrolman Lamberton began his duties as a patrolman on Sept. 16, 1968.  He has been accepted as a drivers license Examiner I Trainee with the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department.

 

02 05       GERTH RECEIVED THE FIRST JAYCEE AWARD

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Lt. Det. Gordon Gerth received the first Jaycee meritorious service award presented to a Watertown policeman.  The award was presented by William O’Brien, president of the Watertown Jaycees.  Gerth was selected for the award because of his many years of outstanding service to the Watertown Police Department.  Police Chief M. K. Mann made the selection of the officer to be honored by the Jaycees.  Inspector Alfred Krahn spoke on behalf of Gerth on the achievements he has recorded with the police department.

 

02 16       MOTOR BOAT FOR PATROL OF ROCK RIVER

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Chief of Police M. K. Mann last night urged the City Council to acquire a 17 1/2 foot motor boat for the patrol of Rock River. 

 

He said the estimated cost of the boat is $3,000, with this cost to be covered by the State Department of Natural Resources over a period of eight years. 

 

The state department, Mann said, will pay for 12 1/2 per cent depreciation each year. 

 

The department, he said, also will cover many other costs.  He said it will take care of 75 per cent of operation costs, and 100 per cent of an officer’s salary while the boat is engaged in patrol work. 

 

The salary of officers, however, will not be paid while a search is underway in the river for possible victims of drownings. 

 

The department also will pay 50 per cent of the cost of life jackets, etc.

 

03 05       LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM MADISON MAYOR

The Watertown Police Department received a letter of appreciation from Otto Festge, mayor of the city of Madison, for the department’s assistance during the student strike at the University of Wisconsin.

 

Festge told Chief M. K. Mann to feel free to call on the city of Madison for any help Watertown would need.

 

The letter follows:

 

Chief M. K. Mann

Watertown Police Department

Dear Chief Mann,

 

As mayor of the city of Madison, I would like to express my personal appreciation and the appreciation of every resident of this community for the assistance that you gave the Madison Police Department during the. recent student strike at the University of Wisconsin.  I know that there were trying situations, however I received many compliments from persons on and off campus indicating the splendid manner in which all law enforcement officers conducted themselves.

 

I am sure that in many instances a great deal of restraint was necessary.  We very deeply appreciated the help that you gave to the city of Madison in this instance.

 

We hope that if there is ever a time the city of Madison can be of help to you or the members of your department or to your city, you will feel free to call upon us.  While we sincerely hope that you will never experience a situation for you to call on us, we want you to understand that we stand ready and willing anytime that you find it necessary to do so.

 

Sincerely yours,

Otto Festge, Mayor.

 

04 22       ‘GO-GO” CART

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Used by "Meter Maid" of the police department to enforce parking meter time; fines were significant revenue stream for the city.

 

04 28       EARL EBERT (1921-1969)

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Earl R. Ebert, 47, 1302 Hutson Dr., a member of the Watertown Police Department, passed away this morning at the Watertown Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.  Born Sept. 22, 1921, in Watertown, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ebert.  Burial in Glenview Memorial Gardens, Ixonia.

 

06 10       SERGEANT BRAUNSCHWEIG AND WIFE / 40th wedding anniversary

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Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Braunschweig, 916 Carol Street, celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on June 15.  Mr. Braunschweig and the former Evelyn Ziebell were married June 15, 1929, in St. John's Lutheran Church in Waterloo.  Braunschweig joined the Watertown Police Department in January of 1942.  He is a sergeant.

 

07 26       KREBS NAMED PATROLMAN

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Dale W. Krebs, 23. has been named a patrolman for the Watertown Police Department.  He will begin his duties on Monday, July 28.  He replaces the late Sgt. Earl Ebert.  Krebs successfully passed the Police and Fire Commission written and oral examinations.  He is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served from 1963 through 1966.  He had been employed at the Waupun State Prison.  He recently married the former Faye Buss. He is the son of the late Percy Krebs and Lorraine Krebs.

 

Resigned in 1972

 

09 29       TERRY L. TRIANA

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Terry L. Triana, newly appointed police officer, has begun his duties today.  Having successfully passed the oral and written examinations conducted by the Watertown Police and Fire Commission.  Triana was appointed by the commission as the replacement of Sergeant Leonard Braunschweig who will retire from the department Oct. 31.      Comments on Facebook 

 

10 31       SERGEANT BRAUNSCHWEIG RETIREMENT

Sergeant Leonard Braunschweig of the Watertown Police Department today is retiring after nearly 28 years of service.

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Sgt. Braunschweig, 64, was appointed to the department on Jan. 2, 1942 when he was made a patrolman on the night shift where he remained until May 23, 1945 when he moved to day shift.  On July 1, 1966 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, the rank he presently holds.

 

Sgt. Braunschweig, in his official duties with the public, came into contact with persons from all walks of life, and gained the respect of virtually all of them.  He was regarded as a friend, especially by the children of the community. 

 

He was known to be fair in listening to their problems, and in counseling them.

 

Officer Braunschweig merited the respect of his fellow officers and his superiors.  Chief of Police M. K. Mann paid a personal tribute to Sgt. Braunschweig, designating him as an outstanding officer under his command.

 

11 12       FIVE-WEEK COURSE IN FIRST AID AT THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

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Watertown police and auxiliary police officers participated.  Dale Krebs, Robert Kube, William Seefeldt, (instructor) Terry Triana and Lavern Schumann.

 

11 16       SERGEANT BRAUNSCHWEIG RETIREMENT PARTY

  

The 28-year veteran was the guest of honor at his retirement party.

 

1960s, late

DEPARTMENT BASEBALL TEAM

  

 

1970

05 30       ALFRED “MICKEY” KRAHN RETIRES

 

06 03       ALFRED “MICKEY” KRAHN, JAYCEE AWARD

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Inspector Alfred Krahn of the Watertown Police Department received an award of appreciation from the Watertown Jaycees.  Al LaBelle, president of the Jaycees, Debbie Knief, who is Miss Watertown, and Mrs. Krahn.

 

06 09       KIWANIS DONATION OF DRUG DETECTION KIT

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Erich Bartell, Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor and Kiwanian John Himrich.  Sergeant Richard Reynolds of the Police Department.

 

06 15       ALFRED “MICKEY” KRAHN HONORED AFTER RETIREMENT

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Alfred "Mickey" Krahn mentioned recently that police work was difficult before the days of walkie talkies and communication with headquarters.  Officers were more or less on their own.  He recalled a store robbery, he and his partner had been given a good description of the "stranger in town," and they started from the store to look for him.  They surmised the culprit might try to get out of town on a train scheduled to leave within a few minutes.  The officers went to the depot, convinced the engineer to hold the train while they made a quick search.  Krahn started at one end, his partner at the other.  They came upon the guilty one sitting in a double seat, happily counting his money which was spread out in little piles in the seat opposite.    WDT article 03 20 1982

 

KRAHN CITIZENSHIP AWARD established

 

06 15       OFFICERS TESSMANN, REYNOLDS & BORTH

Lieutenant Clarence Tessmann promoted to the rank of inspector.  Tessmann joined the department on July 1, 1947, and held the rank of lieutenant since May 15, 1966.  Sergeant Richard Reynolds promoted to the rank of lieutenant.  Will head the juvenile division to the vacancy created by retirement of officer Krahn.  Officer Borth, age 25, appointed to begin duties.

 

CROSS REFERENCE:  LYLE J. BORTH, 1945-2020

06 23 2020 - Lyle J. Borth, 75, of Watertown, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020 at UW Hospital in Madison.  Lyle, known as “Butch” by family and friends, was born May 29, 1945 in Watertown.  He was the son of Clarence and LaVerna (Huebner) Borth. 

 

Lyle graduated from Watertown High School in 1963.  He married Karen Schultz on September 15, 1973 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown. 

 

Lyle was a police officer for 30 years, followed by 13 years as a police dispatcher.  Lyle is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen of Watertown; children, Laura (Perry) Pawelka of Middleton, Christopher Borth of Las Vegas, and Debbie Borth of Madison; granddaughter, Finley Pawelka; twin brother, Dale (Karla) Borth; sisters, Audrey (Art) Krueger, and Darlene (Harold) Dopke; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Lyle is preceded in death by his parents.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be used to sponsor a K9 police dog in Butch’s honor.

 

06 17       BIKE LICENSE RENEWALS

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Safety reflector tape placed on bicycles when riders apply for new licenses.  Tom Murray, senior vice-commander of the local VFW post in charge of the reflector tape program, places the tape on Nancy Kressin's bicycle while Lieutenant Richard Reynolds of the Watertown Police Department records license data.

 

08 12       CIVIL DEFENSE DISASTER DRILL

Mock explosion at Lindberg Hevi-Duty resulted in simulated injuries to 30 young persons, treated at the scene and then transported to Watertown Memorial Hospital.

 

1971

03 09       DEATH OF CHIEF MARLYN MANN.   Inspector Clarence Tessmann appointed temp chief.

 

1971-1979

GERALD P. DONOVAN, Chief of Police

 

06 29 1971               Gerald P. Donovan of Sparta has been named Chief of the Watertown Police Department and will begin his new duties July 19.  Succeeds Marlyn Mann; during the interim period Inspector Clarence Tessmann was acting Chief of Police. 

 

Donovan, 42, has an extensive police background.  He was appointed patrolman with the city of Milwaukee department on April 6, 1953.  He was assigned at that time to the uniform division and remained there for six years.  In February of 1959 he was promoted to the detective bureau and was assigned to a general duty squad, investigating all major crimes.  On Jan 1, 1963 he was appointed Chief of Police for the city of Sparta, the position he held until accepting the post in Watertown.  Donovan is a graduate of Pius XI high school of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Department training school.

 

Donovan, his wife, and eight children plan to move to Watertown in the near future.  A ninth child, Tim, 21 was married Saturday and will continue to live in Sparta, where he is deputy sheriff on Monroe County.

 

c.1971

BOB WEBSTER, Communications Room, New City Hall

        

 

1972

                Interior views of department facilities

 

01 18       DALE KREBS RESIGNATION

  

Patrolman Dale Krebs, a member of the department for 2 1/2 years, resigned to accept a position with Klutterman Office Equipment.  Joined the force on July 14, 1969.

 

02 15       CLARENCE TESSMANN RETIREMENT

Clarence Tessmann, 918 Clark Street, a member of the department for over 24 years, will retire on Feb. 15.  Tessmann holds the position of police inspector.  He joined the force on July 1, 1947 as a patrolman and was appointed to the position of sergeant on July 15, 1951, and on May 15, 1966 he was named Lieutenant.  Upon the retirement of Alfred Krahn on July 15, 1970, Tessmann was elevated to the position of inspector.  After the death of Chief of Police M. K. Mann, Tessmann was named to the position of Acting Chief of Police and remained in that capacity until the new chief, Gerald Donovan, was selected.

 

02 16       THREE OFFICERS PROMOTED

Three veteran officers were promoted by Chief of Police Donovan.  They are Lieutenant Richards Reynolds to the position of Inspector, Sergeant Edward Dusowsky to Lieutenant, and officer Floyd Miller to Sergeant.  All three promotions effective March 1.  Inspector Reynolds was appointed as a patrolman on Jan. 1, 1958, was promoted to Sergeant on June 1, 1967 and to Lieutenant on Jan. 23, 1970.  Dusowsky was appointed patrolman on June 1, 1948 and promoted to Sergeant on Jan. 23, 1970.  Miller was appointed patrolman on April 16, 1951.

 

1973

02 02       T.I.M.E. COMPUTER NETWORK

A new and more efficient teletype system has been installed and connects the local department with state and national law enforcement agencies through a massive computer system.  The new system is called TIME for Transaction Information for Management of Enforcement and represents a vast improvement in law enforcement for the city.

 

11 06       KNIGHT RESIGNATIONATION

Officer David Knight has resigned to accept a similar position with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Orval Quamme, 33, Madison, has accepted a position with the department.

 

Knight, who resigned effective Monday, began his employment with the department on Feb. 14, 1972, and has been employed as a patrolman since that time.

 

Quamme will begin his employment on Nov. 11.  He is presently employed by the University of Wisconsin Security in Madison and was previously employed with the Madison Police Department for a period of six years.  Quamme is married and has five children.

 

-- --           DETECTIVE BRUCE SANITER

Patrolman Bruce Saniter has been promoted to the rank of Detective.  Detective Saniter is the juvenile officer of the department and will continue in the capacity.

 

1974

OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AS OF 5/20/74

 

NAME

RANK

APPOINTED

DOB

Donovan, Gerald P.

Chief

7/19/1971

1/11/1929

Reynolds, Richard L.

Inspector

1/2/1958

05/26/1933

Gerth, Gordon

Lieutenant

1/1/1946

3/1/1922

Wendt, Melvin F.

Lieutenant

1/1/1947

3/15/1922

Dusowsky, Edward

Lieutenant

6/1/1948

4/3/1920

Kohls, Louis A.

Lieutenant

1/15/1956

3/22/1916

Crandall, John W.

Sergeant

3/8/1951

11/4/1922

Miller, Floyd H.

Sergeant

4/16/1951

7/25/1921

Webster, Robert W.

Sergeant

6/16/1960

7/20/1936

Saniter, Bruce A.

Detective

5/1/1966

12/19/1944

Shaiken, Lyle A.

Patrolman

4/25/1960

1/23/1929

Lehmann, Henry H.

Patrolman

5/1/1966

8/15/1936

Miller, Benjamin C.

Patrolman

6/15/1966

2/27/1935

Becker, Keith A.

Patrolman

3/15/1967

2/26/1943

Kube, Robert

Patrolman

11/1/1967

8/11/1944

Schumann, Lavern E.

Patrolman

4/1/1968

1/19/1946

Sukow, Larry J.

Patrolman

1/1/1969

4/27/1947

Gerstner, Eugene A.

Patrolman

1/10/1969

10/6/1936

Triana, Terry L.

Patrolman

9/29/1969

1/19/1948

Schultz Larry H.

Patrolman

1/25/1971

8/30/1945

Fredrich, James H.

Patrolman

1/25/1971

6/1/1948

Henning, Dale T.

Patrolman

2/14/1972

1/21/1948

Boeder, Ronald W.

Patrolman

3/5/1973

2/15/1944

Wehner, Dale R

Patrolman

3/19/1973

5/22/1947

Lehmann, Ernest E.

Patrolman

3/19/1973

8/5/1948

Quamme, Orval

Patrolman

11/12/1973

6/20/1940

Schwartz, Arthur B.

Patrolman

5/20/1974

12/31/1947

Wellner, Richard

Patrolman

5/20/1974

7/3/1952

Hodan, Marjorie J.

Meter Maid

5/13/1974

9/3/1927

Schmidt, Diane C.

Secretary

3/8/1971

3/14/1953

Broeder, Roger

--

1975

--

 

1975

05 13       LOUIS A. KOHLS (1916-1975), DOD May 12th

  

Funeral services for Louis A. Kohls, 59, 821 Richards Avenue, lieutenant of the Watertown Police force, were held at the Pederson Funeral Home with Rev. John Hicks of the Watertown Moravian Church officiating.  Interment was in the Watertown Moravian Cemetery.  Kohls was dead on arrival at the Watertown Memorial Hospital following an apparent heart attack.  He was born in Watertown March 22, 1916, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kohls.

 

He had been a member of the Watertown Police Force for 19 years, and at the time of his death held the position of lieutenant.  Appointed to the department on Jan. 15, 1956, promoted to sergeant on March 15, 1966, and on July 15, 1967, was promoted to rank of lieutenant.

 

On Oct. 6, 1940, he married the former Arline Ray at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church in Toland.  Kohls served with the U.S. Army and the National Guard.  He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, American Federation of Police, Wisconsin Professional Policeman’s Association and the National Police Officers Association.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge, Knights of Pythias and the Watertown Moravian Church.

 

Lt. Kohls was involved in photography for the police department and also for the Watertown Daily Times.  Photography was his hobby and he enjoyed doing free-lance work.    WDT

 

1975c

   Officer Bob Webster, S Second and Market streets

 

1977

May          OFFICERS SIGN UP FOR FIRST AID COURSE

   Officers Henry Lehman, Larry Sukow and Keith Becker.

 

BICYCLE SAFETY AND CUB SCOUTS OF ST. HENRY'S.

Approx       

 

1978

FIRST WOMEN JOIN POLICE RESERVE

01 26           Caroline Fischer and Barbara Locke

 

03 03       DUSOWSKY RETIREMENT

Joined department on June 1, 1948.  Replacement as night shift lieutenant is Sgt. Bruce Saniter.

 

03 04       SANITER & SUKOW PROMOTIONS

With the retirement of Lieutenant Dusowsky, shift commander on the midnight to 8 a.m. shift, Sergeant Bruce A. Saniter is being promoted to the position of lieutenant and will be in charge of the same shift.  Lieutenant Saniter joined the department on May 1, 1966.  He was promoted to the position of detective on July 1, 1973 and served as a detective in the juvenile area until April 19, 1977, when he was promoted to uniform sergeant and assigned duty on the midnight shift.

 

Officer Larry Sukow is being promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the midnight to 8 a.m. shift.  Sergeant Sukow joined the department on Jan. 1, 1969j and at the present time is assigned to the day shift, patrol duty.

 

12 18       “My daddy’s a policeman . . . SO I HAVE TO BE GOOD”

A group of children sitting next to a christmas tree

Description automatically generated with low confidence      < set of 5 images

Christmas party held for the children of the Watertown policemen.  Party was sponsored annually by the wives of the policemen.

 

1979

06 02       PERSONNEL CHANGES

Three personnel changes announced.  Lieutenant Bruce Saniter, a 13 year veteran of the department, has resigned, effective June 15.  He has accepted the position of director of building and grounds for the Watertown Unified School District.  Lieutenant John Crandall has retired after 28 years of service and Sergeant Lavern Schumann has been promoted to the position of lieutenant.

 

06 26       CRANDALL RETIREMENT

  

Lieutenant John Crandall was honored on his retirement after 28 years on the department.  A retirement dinner and party was held in his honor at the Watertown Elks Club.

 

Among those present were Captain Patrick Kunitz, a 28 year veteran; Lieutenant Melvin Wendt, 31 years; Lieutenant Crandall, Inspector and Acting Chief Clarence Tessmann, 25 years; Sergeant Leonard Braunschweig, 28 years; and Inspector Alfred Krahn, 28 years.  Kunitz retired in 1966, Braunschweig in 1969, Krahn in 1970, Tessmann in 1972, and Wendt in 1977.

 

1980-1993

RICHARD L. REYNOLDS, Chief of Police, 1980-1993

 

1980

01 31       REYNOLDS IN NEW CHIEF

Inspector Richard Reynolds, a 22 year veteran of the Watertown Police Department, is the new Chief of Police.  Reynolds, 46, assumed his new duties this morning.  The new chief succeeds Gerald Donovan, who resigned effective Jan. 1.

 

Reynolds is a 1952 graduate of the Baraboo high school and was employed by a Butler excavating company before beginning his 22 year career in police work.

 

He was a special traffic officer under Chief of Police Herbert Vehlow from 1956 until Jan. 1, 1958, when he accepted a full-time appointment as an officer on the nigh shift. 

 

Reynolds was appointed to the juvenile division in November of 1966 and was appointed sergeant on June 1, 1967 by Chief M. K. Mann.  He was appointed lieutenant and was assigned to the juvenile division on June 15, 1970, and on March 1, 1972 he was appointed to the position of inspector by Vhief Donovan.

 

Chief Reynolds has completed courses in personal management, police officer evaluation and employment relations through the University of Wisconsin Extension, is past president and life member of the Wisconsin Juvenile Officers Association and has memberships in the Dodge County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association and the Jefferson County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.

 

Reynolds and his wife Shirlee reside at 218 East Water Street.  They have four children.  They are Michael, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a lieutenant in the Air Force, Mrs. David Thrams of Milwaukee, Tom Reynolds of Watertown and Timothy, who is a senor at Watertown High School

 

02 10       FIVE PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED

Lieut. Larry Sukow to inspector of police.  Sukow was appointed patrolman on Jan 2, 1969, sergeant on March 3, 1976 and lieutenant on June 16, 1979.

 

Sergeant Michael Besel of position of lieutenant.  He was appointed patrolman on Aug 1, 1977 and sergeant on July 25, 1979.

 

Sergeant Orval Quamme transferred to the detective bureau as a detective.  He was appointed patrolman on Nov. 12, 1973 and to the position of sergeant on July 25, 1979.

 

Officer Dale Weber to the position of sergeant.  He was appointed patrolman on March 19, 1973.

 

Officer Thomas Killmon to the position of sergeant.  He was appointed patrolman of Oct. 13, 1975

 

09 28       DALE HENNING: ARTIST I AND II TRAINING

Police Chief Richard L. Reynolds announced that Officer Dale Henning has successfully completed the Artist I and II Training courses at the Waukesha County Technical Institute.  The two week training course covered training and instruction in drawing suspects from descriptions provided by victims and witnesses.  With the completion of this training by Officer Henning, there is now an artist available within the department to provide these services.

 

1981

11 05       MICHELLE MANDERS

         

 

The body of missing 2 ˝-year-old Michelle Manders was found on a riverbank in November 1981.  Hers was the fifth in a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths over seven years.  On this page, you can explore the case, including police documents, suspects, maps and key events     A Journal Sentinel Watchdog Report     Is buried in Oak Hill cemetery.   

 

1982

03 20       DEPARTMENT STATUS REPORT

Reynolds was appointed chief of police in 1980.  He reports the department now [1982] has 30 sworn officers with police authority and six civilian employees.  This year the department is getting its own computer, into which will be filed the modus operandi of all break-ins and burglaries.  This information will be instantly available in investigative work.   WDT article 03 20 1982

 

08 10       TIMOTHY ROETS JOINED DEPT

Roets joined the department on Aug. 10, 1982, as a patrolman.

 

1983

07 29       FLOYD MILLER RETIRES

Sgt. Floyd H. Miller, a member of the Watertown Police Department for 32 years, will retire July 29.  Miller, 61, 1301 Center Street, joined the department as a patrolman on April 16, 1951.  Miller worked the afternoon shift for a short time when he first joined the department, then worked the night shift for 19 years.  He moved to the day shift 13 years ago, and was promoted to sergeant on March 1, 1972.  Miller, a lifelong resident of Watertown, said he plans to take it easy for a while, although he added he might tend bar.  He said he tended bar at Charlie Howard’s tavern on North Fourth Street before joining the police department.

 

1984

08 08       TIMOTHY ROETS, Jaycee Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer

Watertown Police Officer Timothy Roets was named the Watertown Jaycee Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer during River Days festivities Friday evening.  Jaycee president Ray Wolfram made the presentation to Roets commending him on his enthusiasm and dedication to police work.  The last law enforcement award made by the Jaycees was in 1968.  Roets joined the police force Aug. 10, 1982, as a patrol officer and is now in the juvenile division.  He is especially active in the department's educational programs.  In puppet show format students in grades kindergarten through sixth see programs on the hazards of drug abuse, vandalism and shoplifting.  The programs are credited with keeping open lines of communication between the police department and schools.

 

09 17       LAVERN SCHUMANN GRADUATES

Police Lieutenant Lavern E. Schumann was one of 250 police officers from around the world to graduate last week from the 138th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.  The degree represents 11 weeks of executive-level training including coursework in police management, ethics, law, urban police problems and behavioral sciences.  Schumann joined the Watertown Police Department in 1968 and in 1979 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant.  Later in the same year he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.  WDT

 

1985

04 29       MICHAEL BESEL OFFERED POSITION

Jefferson - The Daily Times has learned Lieutenant Michael Besel of the Watertown Police Department has been offered the position of chief of police of the City of Jefferson.  Jefferson City Attorney Bruce Freeberg confirmed the selection of the police and fire commission.  The appointment has yet to gain the formal approval of the Jefferson City Council.  However, the police and fire commission will submit its recommendation of Besel to the council next month. Besel, 1050 Kiewert Street, has been employed by the Watertown Police Department for nearly eight years.  He was first appointed to the position of patrolman on Aug. 1, 1977, serving previously as a patrolman for the City of Butler Police Department.

 

09 17       APPLICANTS FOR FIRE CHIEF POSITION

The Watertown Police and Fire Commission has received letters from 18 applicants for the position of city fire department chief, the chairman of the panel said today.  The deadline for submitting applications was Saturday and Robert P. White said others could be accepted later today if postmarked Sept. 14.  The city is searching for a new chief to replace Donald Asmus who is retiring effective Dec. 30.  Asmus has been the fire chief for Watertown since Dec. 1, 1970.  Of the 18 candidates, two are from Watertown and three are from out of state,” White said.  It is unclear how many applicants the police and fire commission will interview, he said, but it will not be the entire 18.  WDT

 

12 19       OFFICERS WEBSTER AND SCHULTZ HONORED

Officer Robert W. Webster received a ring for his 25 years of continuous service; Police Chief Richard L. Reynolds; Police Dept. Christmas party

Officer Larry Schultz, left, received a lapel pin for his 15 years of service. 

   

 

1986

01 06       FIRST FEMALE POLICE OFFICER

The first female police officer began her duties on Jan. 6, 1986.  Miss Marcie Jo Repta is a native of Milwaukee.  Repta filled a vacancy created by the resignation of Mark Neuman. He resigned on Nov. 22 to accept a similar position in his hometown of Beaver Dam.   WDT

 

07 30       MARK MEDDAUGH

A West Allis resident, Mark Meddaugh, has been appointed to the position of patrolman.  Meddaugh will attend recruit training for state certification at Waukesha County Technical School and upon completion will be assigned to the midnight to 8 a.m. shift.  Appointment is effective today.  The new officer replaces officer Mark Murphy, who resigned effective July 12 to accept a position with the Madison Police Department.  Murphy, who also worked the midnight shift, had been with the department since September 1979.   WDT

 

1987

01 10       1986 CRIME REPORT

The Watertown Police Department cleared a higher percentage of reported crime in 1986, but several high-priced thefts remain unsolved.  Of the 555 crime reports filed in Watertown last year, 266 were cleared for a success rate of 47.9 percent.  In 1986, Watertown police investigators cleared 43.8 percent of the reported cases.  The type of cases included in the 1986 report are theft, burglary, assault, stolen vehicle, robbery, sex offense and murder.  Chief of Police Richard Reynolds Friday was quick to give credit for the increased success to cooperation from the public and a better trained police staff.

 

04 14       HONORED FOR SERVICE

Police Chief Reynolds honored three members of his staff on behalf of the Watertown Professional Police Officers Association.  Those honored for their years of service were:  Pat Barry, 10-year pin; Dale Henning, 15-year pin; and Henry Lehmann, 20-year pin.

 

08 04       POLICE AUXILIARY

   Police Auxiliary  15 members

 

11 12       LEON RUDER

Leon J. Ruder Jr. began his first day today as patrolman.  Ruder, 22, was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Officer Ronald Noe who left effective Oct. 17 to work for the Verek Corp. in Madison.

 

12 12       BRUNNER MURDER

Resa Scobie Brunner murder; Matthew Knapp charged   WDT full text article

 

1989

11 03       PER CAPITA SPENDING FOR POLICE SERVICE

Watertown’s per capita spending for city police service is substantially below the state average, according to a survey prepared by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.  According to the report, Watertown spent $74.55 on police-related expenditures in 1988 for each of its 18,850 residents.  The state average for all state cities and villages with a population of more than 3,000 was $120 per person.  Compared with similar-sized communities, Watertown’s spending also is below the average of $99 per person for cities and villages with populations of 10,000 to 30,000.  Watertown Police Chief Richard Reynolds said the report seemed to indicate that other communities place a higher priority on police protection.  WDT

 

1990

03 18       ORVAL QUAMME TO RUN FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF

Orval Quamme, a lieutenant and shift commander with the Watertown Police Department, announced his plans to run for Jefferson County sheriff.  Quamme is the first declared candidate for the position since Sheriff Keith Mueller announced that he planned to retire at the end of his term in January, ending a career of nearly 37 years in the sheriff’s department.  Quamme, a 23-year veteran of local law enforcement, believes his education and experience would be an asset to the sheriff’s department.   WDT

 

04 01       ORVAL QUAMME NAMED SAILOR OF THE YEAR

Orval Quamme, a lieutenant in the Watertown Police Department, has been named sailor of the year for 1989 for the Naval Operations Intelligence Center in Glenview, Ill.  Quamme, 400 Dewey Ave., is a petty officer, first class, for the U.S. Naval Reserve.  He works as an analyst for naval intelligence.  Quamme, who is a candidate for Jefferson County sheriff, said he was pleased by his selection for the award.  “It’s an honor because it’s a selection made of only one individual of a unit a year,” he said.  “It indicates high recognition by peers as well as superiors.   WDT

 

04 10       TIM ENGEL HIRED AS PATROLMAN

Timothy O. Engel hired as a patrolman.  Engle and wife, Robyn (Rabbach) reside at 32 Pine Ridge Court, Watertown.   Engel graduated from Watertown High School in 1981, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and attended Waukesha County Technical school.  He will have his recruit training at the Madison campus of the Madison Area Technical College.    WDT

 

04 10       OFFICER TIMOTHY R. WAYSTEDT

[same date] Officer Timothy R. Waystedt completed his police training and has joined the Watertown Police Department.  Was hired on Sept. 18 to replace Officer James Wolf.    WDT

 

06 01       ANDREW GEE APPOINTED.  REPLACES HENRY LEHMANN

Andrew R. Gee has been appointed to the Watertown Police Department, according to Chief Richard L. Reynolds.  Gee will replace Officer Henry Lehmann, who is retiring after 24 years with the department.  His retirement is effective June 30.  Lehmann, who joined the force on May 1, 1966, was the department’s photographer.  He was assigned to the day shift.  Gee, who will work from 4 p.m. to midnight, possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has state certification.   WDT

 

June         HENRY LEHMAN RETIREMENT

   Henry Lehman retirement

 

08 09       OFFICER HENRY LEHMANN HONORED

Members of the Police Department honored Office Henry Lehmann for 24 years of service at a dinner on July 29 at the Elias Inn.  Lehmann, who retired effective June 30, received a plaque from his fellow officers and an honorary life membership from the Wisconsin Policeman’s Protective Association.

 

08 15       NEW SPACE FOR DEPARTMENT

Plans for the expansion of the Watertown Municipal Building, including an elevator, are being formulated by an architectural consultant hired by the city.  Preliminary plans, which were presented to members of the Watertown Common Council by Foth and Van Dyke of Madison Thursday night, include a 14-by-80-foot expansion on the front of the building.  The new two-story area would create additional room for the crowded police department.

 

12 16       SERVICE AWARDS

The Watertown Professional Police Association presented service awards at a banquet dinner Sunday at the Elias Inn.  Tom Killmon received a 15-year award, Sherry Ulrey a 10-year award, Dale Wehner, 15 years and Terry Triana, 20 years.

 

12 31       BOB WEBSTER RETIREMENT

 

 

1991

01 06       ROETS PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT

           Lt. Timothy Roets

 

Sgt. Timothy Roets has been promoted to lieutenant on the Watertown Police Department by Police Chief Richard Reynolds.  Roets will be filling a vacancy created by the departure of Lt. Orval Quamme, who took the oath of office as Jefferson County sheriff this morning.  Roets will be assigned to the midnight to 8 a.m. shift to replace Lt. Thomas Killmon, who will be transferred to the 4 p.m. to midnight shift.  Roets joined the department on Aug. 10, 1982, as a patrolman.  He was promoted to sergeant detective on Jan. 16, 1985.   WDT

 

1992

911 DISPATCH CENTER SINGLE CONTACT POINT

The Fire Department worked with Police Chief Richard Reynolds on the recommendation to make the 911 dispatch center the single contact point for all incoming and outgoing emergency information.  Riedl, Ken, Watertown Fire Department: 1858-2007, 2007, pg 364

 

06 30       SPEEDING ON THE BYPASS

No hiding behind billboards, trees or hills, the Watertown Police Department is aiming for high visibility in a new speed zone on the city's east side.  Trouble is, officials say, some people just aren't getting the hint.  Police Chief Richard Reynolds said 35 citations have been issued on the bypass since the department began enforcing the speed limit June 20.  Signs posting the 45 mph speed limit were erected June 16, but Reynolds said only speeding warnings were issued the first four days.  During the warning period, about 30 motorists were stopped.  "As we anticipated, there have been numerous citations," Reynolds said.  "Some people felt there wasn't enough publicity (about the speed limit change) but there has been quite a bit of discussion.  It is a heavily-marked area and we're giving as much exposure as we can so word gets out."

 

07 03       911 DISPATCH CENTER STAFFING

Three additional dispatchers will be hired this year to staff the city’s 911 emergency telephone, according to a recommendation from the Watertown Finance Committee.  The committee agreed to the additional dispatchers because two people are needed to operate the 911 center at a time.  With only four dispatchers currently on staff, the police department has been forced to take uniformed officers off the street to man the center.  “We are not able to have the full complement of uniformed officers patrolling the street and it’s been difficult to maintain response time on the 911 calls,” said Mayor Frederick Smith.  “It is totally undermining the public safety effort in the city.”   WDT

 

09 05       TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND LOITERING

The Watertown Common Council Tuesday backed plans intended to address two long-time problems in downtown - confusing traffic patterns and loitering.  The council passed the first readings of five ordinances that city officials hope will give police greater ability to keep order on Main Street during the evening hours.  Aldermen also adopted ordinances on their second readings that would restore two-way traffic on the 100 blocks of North and South First streets. 

 

Another set of ordinances were passed that will require vehicles on Third and Fourth streets to stop for Market Street.  The traffic changes won't go into effect for about two to three weeks, according to City Engineer Joseph Radocay.  City workers will need to install no-parking signs, traffic lights and mark lanes before the changes can take place.

 

-- --           SERVICE AWARDS

  

The Watertown Professional Police Association presented service awards to members of the department.  Sgt. Terry Krueger, 15 years; Lt. Robert Kube, 25 years, Officer Dale Henning, 20 years.

 

1993

-- --         CHIEF REYNOLDS RETIREMENT ANNOUNCED

 

04 02       POLICE RESERVE MEMBERS HONORED

Three members of the Watertown Police Reserve have been honored for their years of dedication to the organization.  Melvin Lange and Captain William T. Connor were honored for 35 years of service and Donald Kurtz was honored for 25 years of service.  The three received certificates of appreciation from Watertown Police Chief Richard Reynolds and Inspector Larry Sukow.  Reserve officers for this year include President Doug Clemmons, Vice President James Leslie, Secretary/Treasurer Dan Adams and board of directors Mark Ritter and Don Petig. The group is currently under the direction of Reynolds and Sukow is the liaison officer.  Connor serves as captain.

 

04 05       FORTY-ONE APPLICANTS FOR CHIEF OF POLICE POSITION

Forty-one applicants are seeking to become Watertown’s ninth chief of police, according to City Clerk-Treasurer Michael Hoppenrath.  Richard Reynolds, chief since February 1980, announced his retirement earlier this year.  A 35-year veteran of the force, his last day in office will be May 21.  According to Hoppenrath, 35 of the applicants for the position are from Wisconsin, including several people currently working in the police department.  The other six applicants came from Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Florida and Virginia.  Names of the applicants have not been released.

 

05 19       CHIEF’S AIM WAS HELPING PEOPLE

When asked to recount some of the more sensationalistic eases of his 35-year law enforcement career, Richard Reynolds politely declines.  Instead, the retiring police chief prefers to remember his day-to-day contact with citizens, especially young people, as he served on the Watertown Police Deportment.

 

Reynolds’ commitment to his own family led him to his law-enforcement career, which will conclude with his retirement starting Friday, just prior to his 60th birthday on May 26.  Reynolds was born in Milwaukee, but he found himself living in states as far away as Texas due to his father’s construction work.  After graduating from Baraboo High School in 1951, Reynolds moved to Watertown with his parents. 

 

Like his father, he also worked in the construction field for a Butler company.  During his off hours from the excavation job, Reynolds began working part time in 1956 as an auxiliary policeman, directing traffic on Friday nights and supervising ball tournaments and dances at Turner Hall.  When the police department expanded in January 1958, Reynolds was hired as a fulltime sworn officer.

 

In his first two years on the force, he worked from 4 p.m. to midnight.  The next seven years were on the midnight to 8 a.m. shift.  With his promotion to sergeant in June 1967, Reynolds began working in the department's juvenile division under Inspector Mickey Krahn.  Reynolds worked in the juvenile department until his promotion to inspector under Chief Gerald Donovan on March 1, 1972.  After Donovan left to accept another position in January 1980, Reynolds beat out about 20 applicants to become Watertown's eighth chief of police.

 

After his retirement, Reynolds will leave a department that has grown to 33 sworn officers and a civilian staff of 11 full- and part-time secretaries and dispatchers.    Abstracted from WDTimes article

 

            Concluded 35-years of law enforcement

Richard Reynolds

 

 

06 13       CHARLES MCGEE SELECTED AS NEXT CHIEF

Charles S. McGee II, a lieutenant with a Colorado police department, has been selected as Watertown’s ninth Chief of Police.  The Watertown Police and Fire Commission chose McGee, 46, after interviewing the five finalists for the position.  McGee told the Daily Times he expected to accept the position, pending a final agreement on the terms of his employment.  David Nielsen, secretary for the commission, said the panel was unanimous on its selection of McGee, who currently serves as patrol commander for the Northglenn, Colo., police department.

 

07 03       CHIEF REYNOLDS RETIRES

Watertown Police Chief Richard Reynolds will conclude a 35-year career with the department when he retires this summer.  Reynolds informed the Watertown Police and Fire Commission Monday that his last day of work would be May 21, although his actual effective retirement date will be midsummer.  Reynolds believed it was time to hand the leadership of the department to a younger person.  Reynolds will turn 60 on May 26.  Reynolds started his career with the Watertown Police Department as a patrolman on Jan. 2, 1958, although for several years prior, he served on the police reserve.

 

07 06       CHIEF POSITION OFFERED TO CHARLES MCGEE

The Watertown Police and Fire Commission Thursday voted to formally offer the city's police chief position to Charles McGee.  In June, the commission tentatively selected McGee for the position, pending the results of a background check, as well as psychological and physical tests.  "Those reports were all in and we reviewed those and formally approved our (previous) recommended," said Gary Smith, commission chairman.  He noted that nothing turned up in the tests or McGee's background to give commissioners any concerns about hiring him.  City Clerk-Treasurer Michael Hoppenrath said a letter will be sent today to McGee to offer him the position, which has been vacant since Richard Reynolds retired in late May.  McGee has verbally accepted the Watertown job.

 

1993-2008

CHARLES S. MCGEE, Chief of Police

  Watertown’s 9th Chief of Police     

 

1994

NEW DEPARTMENT LOGO

  

 

08 28       POLICE LIAISON AT HIGH SCHOOL

A workshop about a police liaison at Watertown High School will be held by the board of education and the police department Thursday evening.  Sgt. Mark Meddaugh of the Watertown Police Department will conduct the discussion during a 6:30 p.m. board meeting at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St.  The board of education earlier this summer had requested information about the possibility of having a police officer work as a liaison at the school.  Police Chief Charles McGee has indicated an interest in developing ways to work with the school district in juvenile issues.  Several area districts have a police liaison program, where an officer works closely with the high school but is not stationed in the building.   WDT

 

1995

NEW LOGO ON THREE NEWEST SQUAD CARS

  

 

1995  

EXPANSION OF POLICE BIKE PATROL PROGRAM

     

 

c.1996

SHERRY MEYER, PARKING MONITOR (METER READER)

  

Sherry Meyer was with the department from April 3, 1978 until 1994 as the full-time dispatcher.  She briefly went part-time when the new 9-1-1 system went into place as it was no longer a position that she was interested in.  She was hired back full-time in 1994 as the parking monitor.  It was some time after she was re-hired that the photo was taken of her with the Cushman scooter which she used for a short period of time to do parking enforcement, before a little Ford pickup truck was purchased for her to use.

 

1997

04 05       ID CARD COMPLIANCE

Watertown Police Friday evening conducted a second undercover operation to determine if local tavern owners are checking ID cards of people suspected of being underage.  And, this time, the results showed a better compliance level than the earlier one, according to Chief of Police Charles McGee.  Nine taverns and businesses were visited by four underage volunteers.  The volunteers were able to purchase alcohol at only one of the establishments, the chief said.  “I was very pleasantly surprised at the outcome,” McGee said.  “Obviously, our efforts to work cooperatively with the liquor outlets are paying off.  All we ask is that IDs be checked and that was done at every location but one.”  

 

05 07       NEW POLICE FACILITY RECOMMENDED

The Watertown Common Council Tuesday will consider a committee’s recommendation for the construction of a new facility for the police department.  The council will meet at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of the Watertown Municipal Building.  Council members have already taken one vote on the issue.  Aldermen met as a committee of the whole last week and voted, 7-2, to bring the resolution to Tuesday’s council meeting for a potential vote.  Council members Kenneth Berg and Lewis Miller cast the two dissenting votes at that meeting.  The recommendation to design and construct a new police facility on a new site was recommended by the ad hoc police facility committee, which was formed by the council in June 1996.  

 

10 17       Safe and Sober traffic safety campaign, grant received   WDT

 

   Police Auxiliary, 1997

 

   Plaque presented to Capt. Bill Connor

Appreciation for 40 years of dedicated service, Watertown Auxiliary Police, 1957-97

 

1998

12 10              Police train with new Colt AR-15 automatic weapons 

 

12 19       A new Watertown Police Dept would be constructed near the high school, plan proposed   WDT

 

-- --           OFFICER LAVERN SCHUMANN RETIRES

Upon his return from Vietnam, Schumann became a Watertown Police Department officer for 30 years, retiring as a lieutenant in 1998.    [Profile of, WDTimes] 

 

1999

02 03       Inspector Larry Sukow, 30 year veteran, retiring   WDT

 

03 21       $5 million cap on a new police facility and renovations to municipal building   WDT

 

04 03       Police facility on High School land; option allowed construction of   WDT

 

05 12       Timothy J. Roets appointed deputy chief of police   WDT

 

06 03       The bike patrol is breaking down barriers in Watertown.  The barriers, invisible walls existing throughout the city, have been built between the city police and the public.  They were formed by public perceptions of squad cars and official police uniforms, which sometimes create a sense of apprehension and intimidation.  “I enjoy bike patrol on Sunday when people are cutting their lawns,” officer Paul Thomas said.  He initiates conversation and asks people if they have concerns.  “It’ll catch them off guard, but they’ll say there is loud music from cars driving by or something else.”  WDT

 

July          Lights ‘n Sirens Community Safety Fair.  First of what would become an annual event   WDT

 

10 06       Police station does not meet national and legal requirements   WDT

 

 

 

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Table of Contents 

History of Watertown, Wisconsin

Index