Saying it’s time for young faces and young ideas, Oconto Falls Police Chief Mike Roberts will retire June 3 after a 35-year career with the city.
Roberts, 59, was hired by the Police Department in February 1979 to his first full-time law enforcement position and was promoted to chief on June 1, 2002.
Roberts said he approached his role with fairness and honesty, knowing there are three sides to every story—theirs, theirs and the truth somewhere in between. He said it’s the role of a police officer to find that truth in the middle.
Roberts said he enjoyed the camaraderie of working in the department and serving the community over the years. Retirement will allow him time to catch up on projects and spend time traveling and riding motorcycle.
“Mike has done an excellent job as chief the last 12 years and the previous 23 years as an officer of the city police department,” Mayor Brad Rice said.
Officer Jamie Kuhn said the department appreciates the service he provided to the citizens and wishes him good health and happiness.
Roberts wouldn’t pinpoint one crime that stood out over the years, saying he didn’t want to reopen old wounds. Instead, he accented the positive, saying even repeat offenders can change their ways.
“I’ve been here for a few generations of people now. Just because somebody has issues at a younger age doesn’t mean they don’t progress to be productive, quality citizens. I’ve seen it time and again when they have,” he said.
Originally from Milwaukee, Roberts became familiar with the area because his parents owned land in Forest County. He heard about an opening in Oconto Falls from a friend.
In the 1970s, there were few requirements to be a law enforcement officer, except the desire to be one, he said. In October 1979 he attended recruit school in Wausau for 240 hours of training.
“At the time, there was little training required. New officers come in better equipped based on their schooling and their training and the requirements of the state,” he said.
Another advancement over time is the equipment used by the police force, including computer technology.
“The typewriter we always used to use and the hand-written, half-page reports have gone by the wayside,” he said.
While the city looks for a replacement, Officer Corey Rank will be the officer in charge. He was promoted to sergeant this month.
The city advertised the chief position in state listings and will work to have the job filled by the end of August.
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