Police Department

Police Department

KPD HISTORY:
The Kronenwetter Police Department was established in 2004 in response to a fast-growing population and the increasing need for law enforcement services in the Village.

In December 2004, Police Chief Dan Joling was hired. He built the foundation for the department, and he hired Police Clerk Dianne Drew in March 2005. Three full time patrol officers started in May 2005 and a fourth and fifth patrol officer were added in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Once the fifth full time officer was hired in 2007, KPD began 24/7 police service. In July 2009, KPD created its first supervisor position with the promotion of Officer Terry McHugh to the rank of Lieutenant of Police.  


As the population and calls for service continued to increase, KPD hired another full-time officer in 2015 and 2018. After nearly 43 years in law enforcement and 12 years as KPD's Chief of Police, Chief Joling retired at the end of 2016. Lt. McHugh was promoted to Chief of Police and Officer Chris Smart, who was the very first patrol officer hired in 2005, was promoted to Lieutenant of Police. In 2021, the department added a part time civilian property room custodian and in January 2023, we swore in our first ever Patrol Sergeants, Sgt Ben Shope and Sgt Aaron Seehafer. We also added two more full time police officer positions in the spring of 2023.  

KPD TODAY:
Today, the department has an authorized strength of ten full-time officers, three part-time officers, a part time property room custodian, and a full-time and part time police clerk. Full time sworn officer staffing includes six patrol officers, two Patrol Sergeants, an Administrative Lieutenant, and the Chief of Police.  

We patrol a large village of 52 square miles with a population of 8,539 citizens. Our village is part of the Wausau metropolitan statistical area, yet we maintain a "bedroom community" feel. We operate six marked patrol cars, with two officers assigned to each car. 

We are a 24/7 department, and you can reach our office during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 715-693-4215. After hours, on weekends, or if you need immediate assistance, please call the Marathon County Sheriff's Office at 715-261-1200 and they will send our officer to assist you.