Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 Ryan Douglas was sworn in as our new Chief of Police for the Chippewa Falls Police Department.
Here is what he shared at the ceremony:
Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for gathering with the Chippewa Falls Police Department family and community today. I think it’s important to start by identifying the Chippewa Falls PD Core Values: Integrity, Compassion and Commitment.
Thanks to Judge Isaacson for taking time from his busy schedule to say a few words, as well as allowing us use of his courtroom.
I want to thank members of the Chippewa Falls Police and Fire Commission for the confidence they have instilled in me. Police Chief comes with great responsibility and I truly appreciate the trust you have shown me.
I want to thank my friend and fellow officer, Chief Matthew Kelm. I have worked with Matt for 22 years, the last 8 of those he was Chief. Chief Kelm has positioned CFPD in great shape as he departs on his next journey. I appreciate everything you’ve provided me during our years. Matt, be proud knowing CFPD will thrive as we move forward. Best wishes and don’t be a stranger.
A huge thanks to Administrative Assistant Lesley Small for her incredible planning skills, attention to detail and arranging today’s events. It does not go unnoticed.
A special Thanks to the Honor Guard for posting today’s colors. Your team is top-notch and I look forward to the future of the program.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my family. The lessons you have taught me in life have gotten me to where I stand today. And to my wife Heather, your love and support has gotten me through many tough times. For some reason you’ve stuck with me through the canceled plans, long hours, night shifts, stress, sleepless nights, missed holidays/birthdays/weddings/gatherings, calls letting you know I’m okay and everything else that goes with my chosen profession. I know this takes a toll and thank you for putting up with it for all these years.
I look out in audience and one word comes to mind, wow. I am incredibly honored and humbled with the support this community and its stakeholders has given me and our police department. The number of calls, emails, letters and comments supporting the Chippewa Falls Police Department have been simply amazing. To be honest, this doesn’t surprise me. Chippewa Falls has been home for my entire life. I know what this community is made of and today is no exception. To say I’m proud with the opportunity to lead our team of professionals is an understatement. I have the utmost confidence in every officer and staff member as we move forward.
That said, today is not about me, it’s about all of you. My goal as Police Chief is to provide each and every one of you with the best support, training and resources available. My goal is to achieve this through transparency, open communication and comradery. It can’t be said enough, everyone goes home at the end of their shift.
My new role is to provide safety and well-being, while working collaboratively in order to maintain community expectation. The Chippewa Falls Police Department and its members are committed to making the City of Chippewa Falls a safe and secure place to live and work. I know every one of these officers suits up each day and sets out to make a difference. Often times we have no idea when, or in what form, that difference will come. I assure this community that our officers will treat each citizen with respect and dignity while trying to make that difference.
Today’s law enforcement environment is quite different from when I began my career. I understand I must recognize the ever-changing atmosphere as we move forward. Not every aspect of policing is pleasant and there are times when officers are faced with adversity. How we overcome those challenges speaks volumes to the desire and dedication of these officers.
In closing, I have one final message for the officers and civilian staff of the Chippewa Falls Police Department: Please know this community is incredibly respectful and supportive of our department and chosen careers. This isn’t the case throughout the nation or even Wisconsin. I will need your help as we move forward. No Police Chief, or any single person, can expect to be successful without input from their team, top-to-bottom. As you’ve heard me say before, the best innovation comes from all levels, including our newest officers. I want to hear your ideas and be part of the decision-making process as we identify areas of innovation and prepare our future leaders.
To quote General Norman Schwarzkopf in part: “To be a 21st Century leader you must have two things: Competence and Character…”. I assure all members of the police department and members of our community, we will continue to hire for character and train for competence.
Again: CFPD’s Values are Integrity, Compassion and Commitment; those are absolute and uncompromised.
Our Mission Statement Reads: To Provide Quality Policing: Through Community Partnerships, that focus on problem solving and through employees who are driven to fight crime. I am absolutely confident I can rely on our members to live by these words.
And finally, I want to echo the words of our dearly missed friend, retired Patrol Lieutenant, Mark Hanson “the Chippewa Falls Police Department will go forth with guts, grace and gratitude”.
Thank you.
Here is what he shared at the ceremony:
Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for gathering with the Chippewa Falls Police Department family and community today. I think it’s important to start by identifying the Chippewa Falls PD Core Values: Integrity, Compassion and Commitment.
Thanks to Judge Isaacson for taking time from his busy schedule to say a few words, as well as allowing us use of his courtroom.
I want to thank members of the Chippewa Falls Police and Fire Commission for the confidence they have instilled in me. Police Chief comes with great responsibility and I truly appreciate the trust you have shown me.
I want to thank my friend and fellow officer, Chief Matthew Kelm. I have worked with Matt for 22 years, the last 8 of those he was Chief. Chief Kelm has positioned CFPD in great shape as he departs on his next journey. I appreciate everything you’ve provided me during our years. Matt, be proud knowing CFPD will thrive as we move forward. Best wishes and don’t be a stranger.
A huge thanks to Administrative Assistant Lesley Small for her incredible planning skills, attention to detail and arranging today’s events. It does not go unnoticed.
A special Thanks to the Honor Guard for posting today’s colors. Your team is top-notch and I look forward to the future of the program.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my family. The lessons you have taught me in life have gotten me to where I stand today. And to my wife Heather, your love and support has gotten me through many tough times. For some reason you’ve stuck with me through the canceled plans, long hours, night shifts, stress, sleepless nights, missed holidays/birthdays/weddings/gatherings, calls letting you know I’m okay and everything else that goes with my chosen profession. I know this takes a toll and thank you for putting up with it for all these years.
I look out in audience and one word comes to mind, wow. I am incredibly honored and humbled with the support this community and its stakeholders has given me and our police department. The number of calls, emails, letters and comments supporting the Chippewa Falls Police Department have been simply amazing. To be honest, this doesn’t surprise me. Chippewa Falls has been home for my entire life. I know what this community is made of and today is no exception. To say I’m proud with the opportunity to lead our team of professionals is an understatement. I have the utmost confidence in every officer and staff member as we move forward.
That said, today is not about me, it’s about all of you. My goal as Police Chief is to provide each and every one of you with the best support, training and resources available. My goal is to achieve this through transparency, open communication and comradery. It can’t be said enough, everyone goes home at the end of their shift.
My new role is to provide safety and well-being, while working collaboratively in order to maintain community expectation. The Chippewa Falls Police Department and its members are committed to making the City of Chippewa Falls a safe and secure place to live and work. I know every one of these officers suits up each day and sets out to make a difference. Often times we have no idea when, or in what form, that difference will come. I assure this community that our officers will treat each citizen with respect and dignity while trying to make that difference.
Today’s law enforcement environment is quite different from when I began my career. I understand I must recognize the ever-changing atmosphere as we move forward. Not every aspect of policing is pleasant and there are times when officers are faced with adversity. How we overcome those challenges speaks volumes to the desire and dedication of these officers.
In closing, I have one final message for the officers and civilian staff of the Chippewa Falls Police Department: Please know this community is incredibly respectful and supportive of our department and chosen careers. This isn’t the case throughout the nation or even Wisconsin. I will need your help as we move forward. No Police Chief, or any single person, can expect to be successful without input from their team, top-to-bottom. As you’ve heard me say before, the best innovation comes from all levels, including our newest officers. I want to hear your ideas and be part of the decision-making process as we identify areas of innovation and prepare our future leaders.
To quote General Norman Schwarzkopf in part: “To be a 21st Century leader you must have two things: Competence and Character…”. I assure all members of the police department and members of our community, we will continue to hire for character and train for competence.
Again: CFPD’s Values are Integrity, Compassion and Commitment; those are absolute and uncompromised.
Our Mission Statement Reads: To Provide Quality Policing: Through Community Partnerships, that focus on problem solving and through employees who are driven to fight crime. I am absolutely confident I can rely on our members to live by these words.
And finally, I want to echo the words of our dearly missed friend, retired Patrol Lieutenant, Mark Hanson “the Chippewa Falls Police Department will go forth with guts, grace and gratitude”.
Thank you.