Company Profile
Greenfield Police Department
Company Overview
The Greenfield Police Department is a progressive and proactive law enforcement agency of sixty sworn officers and twenty-five civilian support staff members. The department embraces a strong community oriented policing philosophy where all staff members are expected to be problem solvers in the community. The department has an annual budget of nearly $10 million and operates out of a state of the art law enforcement facility. The department is one of the most progressive and innovative law enforcement agencies in Milwaukee County. A capital equipment replacement schedule ensures that officers are provided with the latest technology and equipment.
The City of Greenfield, covers approximately 12 square miles with more than 36,000 residents. The daytime population soars to well over 100,000 due to extensive retail and commercial areas. Located in southwestern Milwaukee County, and bordering the cities of Milwaukee, Greendale, Franklin and Hales Corners, Greenfield is known for its desirable residential neighborhoods award winning schools, parks, retail establishments, and restaurants.
Company History
In 1957, beset by continued threats of losing local identity through annexation, the residents of the Town of Greenfield chose to incorporate as a city. The new City of Greenfield received its articles of incorporation from the State of Wisconsin on February 4, 1957. In its early years, the fledgling City employed a constable to perform law enforcement duties.
On September 5, 1962 City Ordinance #167 was passed, authorizing the appointment of a Chief of Police and "other such subordinates as the Chief shall appoint", the Greenfield Police Department was born. Clifford Ruck, a Captain with the West Allis Police Department was appointed the department's first police chief. Chief Ruck in turn appointed six police officers.
At its inception, the Department became the primary police service agency for the City. With no equipment and so few personnel, however, the County Sheriff was relied upon heavily for assistance. In the early years, the Police Department provided service from 6:00 AM to Midnight, with the Sheriff's Department handling calls for service in the overnight hours. Steady growth and the addition of personnel allowed the Police Department to take over full time law enforcement duties on January 1, 1965.
The second Chief of Police, Howard Wahlen, was appointed upon Chief Ruck's retirement in 1964. Chief Wahlen had been the third highest-ranking member of the Milwaukee Police Department, having served for more than 28 years and attaining the rank on Deputy Inspector. Some of Chief Wahlen's many accomplishments included the establishment of the Police Auxiliary Corps on June 2, 1965 and the implementation of a systematic program for the training of the regular and auxiliary officers. Under the command of Chief Wahlen, the Department expanded from 13 employees in 1965 to 29 full time and 18 part time employees at the time of his retirement in 1973. Chief Wahlen later returned to City service, being elected mayor and serving from 1976 to 1980.
When Chief Wahlen retired, Ernst Huck, one of the Department's original six officers and now a Captain, was appointed to succeed him. Tragically, however, Captain Huck passed away before taking office. On August 21, 1973, Chester Kass was appointed as the third Chief of Police. Chief Kass came to the Department with over 24 years of law enforcement experience, serving with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wauwatosa and Muskego Police Departments.
Chief Kass oversaw the construction of a new police station, which was completed in 1975, as well as the dramatic expansion of the Department to 81 full time and 30 part time personnel. Chief Kass also continued the process of improving training and equipment. Chief Kass retired on June 30, 1993 in his 20th year as Chief. Richard Karweik, the Deputy Chief, was appointed Interim Chief during the selection process for Chief Kass' successor.
On February 16, 1994. Francis C. Springob, the department's Administrative Lieutenant, was appointed Chief. During Chief Springob's tenure, he has overseen the expansion of the department's canine unit and SWAT team as well as the implementation of a School Resource Officer program. The department has embraced a community oriented policing philosophy and has implemented a capital equipment replacement schedule, ensuring that officers are provided with the latest equipment and technology. In 2008, the department moved into a state of the art law enforcement center. The design of the new building has become a model for police facility construction.
Throughout its history, the Greenfield Police Department has been recognized as one of the preeminent law enforcement agencies in southeastern Wisconsin. It is the goal of every member of this department to continue the honorable and professional traditions of our past while looking toward the future.
Benefits
Officers work a four-on/two-off schedule with an 8.25 hour day.
All department employees enjoy comprehensive medical insurance with a modest monthly co-pay and very low annual deductibles. Dental and disability insurance is available for purchase.
All employees are enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System and are eligible to participate in one of several deferred compensation (457 Plan) plans.
Police officers earn one sick day per month with a maximum accrual of 150 days.
Officers are eligible for two- weeks paid vacation after one year of employment. Three weeks after seven years, four weeks after 15 years and five weeks after 21 years.
Officers receive eleven paid holidays per year which are paid as cash if not taken.