Today, I would like to provide you with information about our community service officers, who they are and the nature of their work.
The position is a part-time, non-sworn, civilian position within the ranks of the police department. The officer’s role is to respond to non-emergency calls, which allows our sworn department officers time to handle more pressing calls for service.
Supervisor Laura Woldt commented, “In the beginning of summer, the CSOs were asked to become familiar with our city ordinances as they relate to the appearance/cleanliness of our residential neighborhoods. I was totally impressed with how each of them embraced our mission and the noticeable improvements that have been made.”
Woldt added, “They try to handle ordinance violations in the most efficient way possible. While some residents become disgruntled or aggravated, the overwhelming consensus from neighbors is positive and sincerely appreciated.”
Our three community service officers are Tom Cotter, Lydia Buntrock and Kelsey Stone. Cotter is the most “seasoned” as he has been with the department for eight years.
Having heard so many stories on the news lately about animals being left in vehicles on hot summer days, I asked Cotter if he has received those types of calls. He responded, “Yes, we have received calls from concerned citizens who noticed animals left in vehicles and appearing to be in distress.”
Cotter continued, “We have a laser thermometer that we use to determine how hot it is in a vehicle. We get readings from the seats, floorboards and dash. If the average temperature is 90 degrees or more, the animal could be in danger.”
He added, “At that point we try to find the owner of the vehicle. Fortunately we have never lost an animal due to heat exposure. We removed one dog from a vehicle that had reached 110 degrees. The best place for animals in hot weather is home in a cool place with a dish of water.”
Cotter said the grass complaints have decreased over the years. “It’s nice to see people are taking better care of their yards lately. We get some calls, but not nearly as many as we have in the past. Some of it may be that the grass isn’t growing as fast with the lack of rain, but all in all, I think people in general are doing a better job of keeping their lawns mowed.”
Lydia Buntrock is hoping to become a patrol officer one day. She will be returning to classes at Fox Valley Technical College in the fall. She is currently the captain of the local explorers, a group she has been associated with since 2010. Buntrock commented, “I enjoy having this chance to work with the Shawano Police Department. I try to represent the department and the city well as I am out doing my job.”
She continued, “Writing a citation is a last resort. I try to work with the residents, letting them know what the ordinance is and what they need to do to comply. I always follow up to ensure corrective action has been taken, and in most cases the resident has successfully taken care of the problem.”
Kelsey Stone joined the Shawano Police Department in March of this year. Kelsey will be returning to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in the fall. She said, “My main goal is to help others. I want to get into law enforcement for my career because I see all the positive things officers do for the public.”
She continued, “I must admit I love to talk. I enjoy meeting people and helping them out when I can. It makes me feel good to be able to answer a question or to have an opportunity to provide a service such as opening a locked vehicle for them.”
Kelsey said she enjoys working with the sworn officers. She commented, “Sometimes they need help directing traffic after an accident, or they might need help with a funeral escort. They are often really busy and I am always happy to assist them whenever I can.”
The answer to the trivia question: What two meat markets were located in Shawano in 1972? is Howard and Gilbert Meat Shop and Zimmerman’s Meat Market.
This week’s question is: Can you name the 15 doctors at the Shawano Clinic (117 E. Green Bay St.) in 1989?
