The Hales Corners Police Department traces its origins back to April 15^th 1952 when the first Village Board meeting was convened.  At this meeting both Sylvester Sweeney and Ralph Chatfield were appointed to the Public Safety Committee with Ralph Chatfield also being appointed as the Village Constable, the first law enforcement officer in the employ of the village.

In November of 1953 Trustee Albert Mears introduced discussion on the possibility of a full time Police Department. The Milwaukee Police Department at this time offered its academy courses to the Village for training of any officers at no cost to the Village.

In February of 1954 a 1954 Chevrolet was purchased by bid from Holz Chevrolet as the first Hales Corners Squad car for use by Constable Chatfield who had previously been utilizing his own vehicle.  

In April of 1954 Trustee Sylvester Sweeney once again brought up discussion of a full time police department. Village Attorney David Schoetz advised of the need of a police commission being set up if a department was organized.

In May of 1954 the position of Village constable was abolished but it would not be until March of 1955 that Ralph Chatfield would relinquish the position and turns all his equipment over to the Hales Corners Police Department’s first Chief of Police.

In December of 1954 applications for the position of Chief of  Police were obtained and made available to applicants. Three applicants were subsequently selected for interviews from a field of six  who applied. These gentlemen were David P. Geary, Richard A. Schoenborn and Alvin H. Peterson.  On February 21, 1955 interviews were conducted and David P. Geary was recommended for appointment as the first Chief of Police of the Hales Corners Police Department. On March 7^th, 1955 the duties of the Village Marshall were officially transferred from the constable to the Chief of Police and the Hales Corners Police Department came into official existence.

In April of 1955 Chief Geary recommended that two additional officers be hired and in November of that year officers Carl H. Jungbluth and Richard A.Twelmeyer were hired as the Village’s first police officers.

In the forty-seven years that have passed (1955-2007) since Chief Geary’s appointment six other Chiefs have followed in his footsteps in leading the Hales Corners Police Department. In order of succession they were Chief Michael Wolke, Chief  Harold  Phalen, Chief Carl H. Jungbluth , Chief  DuWayne A. Dzibinski, Chief Michael J. Krahn, Chief  Richard A, Manske.and Chief Kent R. Bieganski The “permanant” officers that served with them over these years, providing for the safety and security of the Village’s residents can be found on the roster of officers which follows.

THE BEGINNING
Ground Work of the Hales Corners Police Department

1952

04/15/52 The first Village Board Meeting is held.  Sylvester Sweeney and Ralph Chatfield are appointed to the Public Safety Committee. Ralph Chatfield is appointed Village Constable.

04/28/52 Village Board authorizes the purchase of trousers, jacket, holster, gun, and cap for the constable and in addition twelve badges.

05/12/52 Village Board authorizes constable to purchase a siren & light for his vehicle.

05/19/52 Police Badges were issued to all Trustees and The Village President.

06/02/52 Milwaukee County Deputy Sheriff Mel Bannister recommends to the Village Board that the constable be provided with a police speedometer. He further states that sheriffs deputies would bring traffic violators within the Village directly to Justice of the Peace Carlsen. He informs the board that the Sheriffs Department would respond to calls from the Village at any time.

06/10/52 The first session of the Hales Corners Municipal Court in held at 10AM. Courts to be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month thereafter. Justice Of the Peace to be reimbursed at the rate of $2.00 per case where the person is found guilty or by default.

09/08/52 Village Board authorizes the purchase of one additional firearm, holster and belt for the Village.

10/20/52 Salaries for Justice of the Peace ($500.00) and Constable ($1800.00) adopted.

10/27/52 Trustee Hunt suggests that the Village Police Officer could be instructed to spread sand on his rounds when conditions warrant.

1953

11/02/53 Trustee Albert Mears reported on a recent meeting with the Police Chief of New Glarus and introduced a discussion on the possibilities of a full time police force.

11/16/53 Trustee Sylvester Sweeney introduced Milwaukee Police department Inspector Dax to the Village Board.  Inspector Dax discussed the question of a full time Police Department in the Village and placed the Milwaukee Training School courses at the Village disposal with no cost to the Village.

1954

02/01/54 Bids received on a Police Vehicle. Bob Knippel Motors - $2375.00  for a 1954 Ford 4-door Station Wagon; Holz Motors - $2314.42 for a 1954 Chevrolet BelAir Townsman; $2233.68 for a 1954 Chevrolet 210 Handyman and $2138.31 for a 954 Chevrolet 150 Handyman. Unspecified Holz Motor bid accepted.

04/12/54 Trustee Sweeney brought up discussion of a full time police department and abolishing the office of constable. Attorney Schoetz advises that the constable must be retained until he resigns or until the next election and that if a police department is set up, a police commission also nets to be set up and that a percentage of the salary must be set aside each year for a policeman’s pension fund.

05/10/54 Trustees Sweeney, Koehler and Meares present a report recommending police officer salaries. A suggested figure of $5400 per year for the Chief of Police for a 10 hour duty day or $4800 per year for a 8 hour duty day was presented a rate of $150 per month for 6 hours a day for a second officer was also presented. Discussion also covered was utilizing the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Department to provide protection for 5-6 hours a night. Attorney Schoetz reports speaking with Captain Wilke of the Milwaukee Sheriffs Department who suggested that the constable attend the Milwaukee Policemen’s School either part or full time if he will head the Police Department. Attorney Schoetz further stated that Captains Wilke and Hanna stated that they will cooperate and coordinate their radio time but suggested the advisability of not having too many amateurs on the  police department.

05/10/54 Trustees Sweeney, Koehler and Meares to contact Constable Chatfield relative to acceptance of the position of Chief of Police at $5400.00 for a 10 hour day.

05/10/54 Position of Village Constable is abolished.

06/07/54 Village board purchases a stretcher for the Police Vehicle from Superior Coach. Village board approves installation of a 100 amp generator in the Police Vehicle. Village board addresses issue of a storage location for the Police Vehicle. It is currently stored at the Holz Motors lot on South 108^th Place.  Trustee Sweeney is instructed to check on the procurement of a proper flashlight whistles and flares for the police vehicle.

06/28/54 Trustee Meares moves that consideration of a permanent police department be tabled and that the Village Board call upon the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Department for increased police protection and traffic regulation. Motion carried.

10/11/54 Letter received from the County of Milwaukee relative to Sheriff’s protection.  Action on said letter was deferred.

11/16/54 Committee of Trustees Sweeney, Koehler and Meares offer a report recommending a department of one man at $250.00 a month with a $10.00 yearly raise for five years, stating no specific hours and suggesting that the size of the force and other particulars be discussed with the man appointed to said position and recommending formation of such department by January 1, 1955. Personnel to furnish their own uniform and equipment with the exception of badges. Discussion followed on the possibility of making it possible for Village police officers to cooperate with the Sheriff’s Department in adjoining communities.

11/22/54 Mr. R. H. Kielma of 11120 West Grange Avenue appeared before the board as a prospective applicant for a position in the proposed Hales Corners Police Department.  Her was requested to apply by letter stating his qualifications.

11/29/54 Mr. Kielma’s letter of application for the Police Chief’s position is read to the board.  Discussion of qualifications for the Chief of Police along with the problems involved in obtaining applications for the position.

12/13/54 The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department was asked what assistance they could give in the way of training auxiliary police to assist in civil defense activities. Mr. Edward Ritter, Civil Defense Director for the Village suggested that auxiliary police be organized by at least 02/01/55.

12/13/54 Trustee Sweeney submitted copies of applications used by the West Allis Police Department. He was instructed to order 50 copies to be used by applicants for the position of Village Police Chief.

1955

01/24/55 Trustee Sweeney reports having received four formal applications for the position of Police Chief.

02/14/55 Trustee Sweeney reports being notified of a meeting relative to Sheriff’s Department protection will be held at 2:00 P.M. on 02/15/55 at the Milwaukee County Court House. Trustee Sweeney reports six applications were received for the position of Chief of Police and that interviews have been scheduled for the three applicants who were determined to be the best possibilities. These applicants were: David Patrick Geary, Richard A. Schoenborn and Alvin H. Peterson. The three men to appear before the board on 02/21/55. Village Board to request the resignation, by letter, of the Village Constable.

02/21/55 Trustees Meyer, Krause, Koehler, Meares and Sweeney meet with Inspector Daw of the City of Milwaukee Police Force to interview applicants for the Office of Police Chief for the Village of Hales Corners. After the interviews Mr. David P. Geary was recommended for the office of Chief of Police by Inspector Dax.  He was appointed as Chief of Police on a voice vote with a Recommended salary of $325.00 a month. A copy of the police ordinance was given to Inspector Dax for review.

02/28/55 Trustee Sweeney reports that Constable Chatfield stated he would cooperate  with the Chief of Police but would not take orders from him, nor would he specify definite hours of work. Attorney Schoetz to speak with Constable Chatfield’s attorney, Mr. Weber, to arrange amicable termination of the Duties and salary of the constable. Trustee Sweeney also reports that the Sheriffs Department desires to continue receiving all accident reports and that the Village has been advised not to use its own vehicle as an ambulance, except as a last resort and then only with a   second person in attendance. Amendment to by-laws establishing compensation for Chief of Police adopted.

03/07/55 Duties of the Village Marshall transferred from the Constable to the Chief of Police and establishment of compensation for the constable adopted by the Village Board. Special resolution commending Constable Chatfield for his cooperation in the past in carrying out the duties of the Village Marshall approved by the Board.

03/14/55 Constable Chatfield meets with Chief of Police David Geary and turned over all equipment.

04/11/55 Chief Geary recommends to the board to consider hiring two additional police officers in the near future and gave a partial recap of salaries paid such officers in adjacent communities.

04/25/55 Village Board adopts report involving seven points relative to the hiring of additional patrolmen. Trustee Kilps recommends a starting salary of $300 per month was insufficient but motion is passed.

05/09/55 Trustee Krause reports that the deadline for the applications for the position of police officers had been extended to May 18, 1955.

05/23/55 Trustee Krause reported that examinations of applicants for patrolmen have been started but that the determination of salaries is not ready. He further reported that a meeting is to be held between Chief Geary, Attorney Schoetz, Sheriff Barzak, Captain Hannon and Lt. DeVoe to work out procedures of cooperation between the Hales Corners Police Department and the Sheriffs Department. Chief Geary is authorized upon request to purchase a first aid kit. Chief Geary requests permission to order flashing amber caution lights on Highway 100 at the present Village limits.  Cost established at $350.00 for two lights. Motion passed to erect the lights with 30MPH signs at West Edgerton and West College Avenue or as far out from the present Village  limits as possible.

06/13/55 Trustee Krause reports an agreement was signed between the Hales Corners Police Department and the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Department. Discussion conducted as to the wages of patrolmen after the ninety day trial; period together with the question of uniform allowance for the Police Chief.

06/27/55 Trustee Krause recommends a starting salary of $320.00 per month for Police officers subject to adjustment after ninety days.  Board also authorizes the Chief of Police to join the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

08/16/55 Chief Geary submitted costs for a mobile telephone unit with the possibility of two units, one in the squad car and one in Chief Geary’s car or a connection in his home.

09/12/55 Trustee Krause reports that his committee felt an additional squad car communication system was presently unwarranted.

09/26/55 Trustee Krause reported that the salary of the Chief of Police automatically becomes $360.00 per month as of 09/15/55. 

10/24/55 Trustee Krause reports that the two patrolman (Unnamed but believed to be Carl H. Jungbluth and Richard A. Twelmeyer) had passed their necessary examinations and were eligible for an increase in salary to $330.00 a month.

11/28/55 Chief Geary recommends purchase of a Speed Timer. Referred to Safety Committee.

1956

01/09/56 Bids opened for new police vehicle. Hales Corners Motors bid was $2114.00 less trade in of $1014.00 together with a 1% discount if payment is received within 10 days of delivery of a 1956 Ford Police Special; Holz Motors bid was $1994.75 less trade in of $894.75 for a 1956 Chevrolet Model 1502-8.

01/16/56 Holz Motors bid is approved by Village Board.

01/23/56 Village Board approves the purchase of additional radio equipment for the Police Chief’s automobile. Village Board also approves purchase of additional radio equipment, siren, fire extinguisher, shovel, broom, crowbar, red top light and any other minor items necessary to equip the new village squad car.

03/12/56 Chief Geary stated to the board that speed limit signs should be posted to back up Police Arrests. It was the consensus of the option of the Board that the Police should go in and apprehend speeders, since the Village does have an ordinance regulating traffic.

03/19/56 Upon completion of his one year probation period Chief Geary was permanently appointed as Police Chief.

06/25/56 Village Board approves the hiring of one additional police officer. Board rejects motion to purchase electric timer.

08/01/56 Howard H. Hingiss hired as additional police officer.

08/13/56 Village Board authorizes the Police Department to use the electric speed timer at their discretion.

10/22/56 Chief Geary instructed to contract the Greendale Police Chief regarding the Speed limit of South 92^nd Street South of West Forest Home Avenue.

12/17/56 Village Board conducts considerable discussion regarding a pension plan for the police department

1957

01/14/57 Trustee Meares and Chief Geary Instructed to get sealed bids for a police car.

02/04/57 The salary of the Police Chief is increased and the office of sergeant is created.

02/11/57 Trustee Graves was directed to contact an agency for the purpose of renting a squad car.

02/18/57 Holz Motors bid of $985.00 for a Police Vehicle is accepted.

03/11/57 Officer Jungbluth is promoted to sergeant. Personnel committee instructed to make recommendations regarding the hiring of a night clerk.

09/09/57 Officer Howard Hingiss’ salary increased by $20.00 a month effective 08/01/57 the date of completion of his one year probationary period. Trustee Ziegler of the Safety and Personnel Committee stated that the police department should be more forceful and exercise care in the handling of so called warnings. He moved that a letter be written to the police department instructing them to issue summons for speeds in excess of five (5) miles per hour over the speed limit. Village Board approved unanimously. Trustee Ziegler also suggested that the Village Commissioner be given power to arrest for traffic violations feeling that this offered many advantages to the village in addition to doubling the police patrol. Suggestion referred to Village Attorney Schoetz.

04/08/57 Board hears discussion over Chief Geary attending FBI academy.

04/22/57 Chief Geary advises board that he can train an auxiliary man to take his place who will work part time for $1.50 an hour. Personnel committee recommends Chief Geary be paid his two weeks vacation plus four weeks and the other six weeks he be given a leave of absence. Board approved recommendation. Discussion followed and motion amended to read Chief to be paid full ten weeks pay plus his two weeks vacation.