Police Dept.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
“The citizen is the most important person we encounter; not an interruption of our work, but the purpose of it.”

NEWS RELEASE - POLICE DEPARTMENT
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On Saturday, July 31 and Sunday August 1, 2010 the Prairie du Chien Police Department was called to investigate attempted break-ins at the historic Villa Louis. During the investigation on July 31, 2010 Officers located evidence on scene and discovered two separate entrances that were damaged during the attempted break-in. On the morning of August 1, 2010 a smeared shoe print impression was discovered but there was not additional damage reported. The attempted break-ins occurred between the hours of 5 pm and 8 am Friday July 30 and 5 pm to 8 am on Saturday July 31. Additional staff, from the State of Wisconsin, will be on the Villa Louis grounds this weekend during Country on the River. Physical evidence was located at the scene and the investigation continues. Anyone with information on this investigation is urged to contact the police department at 608-326-2421 or Crawford County Crimestoppers 1-866-779-PAYS.

Crawford County Sheriff’s Department & Prairie du Chien Police Department
Law Enforcement Scholarship

4 Person Best Shot Tourney - Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 - 10:00 AM shot gun start - Call the Prairie du Chien Country Club 326-6707
For more information, click here

The Police Department union sponsored a movie in the park on July 21^st, 2010 at Fort Fun. Officers of the department served ice cream, microwave popcorn, candy and soda. Many families sat on blankets together and enjoyed the movie The Indian In The Cupboard. Pictured are Chief Chad Abram, Officer Heather Gokey and Officer Kyle Teynor.

The Prairie du Chien Police and Fire Commission Thursday night unanimously approved the hiring of Chad Abram as the Chief of Police. The Commission also unanimously accepted the retirement of Michael King as Chief. King had been suspended with pay since June 1^st, pending an internal investigation into a series of financial discrepancies. King, who had been the Police Chief since 1998, announced his retirement Tuesday, with his last official day being June 30th 2010.

“I am both humbled and honored at the faith the Police and Fire Commission have placed in me, and understand the challenges facing me,” said Abram. “I make one promise to the residents of Prairie du Chien – your police department will be ethical, professional and efficient, and will serve and protect with pride and professionalism.”

The Commission approved the hiring for a six-month probationary period. Abram has been with the Prairie du Chien Police Department since September 2000, after spending the previous two years with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department. During his time with the Prairie du Chien Police Department, he has served as the Department’s sergeant since 2007, and has also served as an investigator, school resource officer, and patrolman.

"We are excited to have Chad in the position of Police Chief," said Police and Fire Commission President Bob Meyer. "The past few weeks have been difficult with the investigation into the former chief. I was extremely disappointed in what has been uncovered as part of our internal investigation, but today is a new day for the Prairie du Chien Police Department, both in terms of leadership and ethics. I look forward to the professionalism and dedication Chad will bring.”

“I commend the Police and Fire Commission for their choice tonight,” said City Administrator Aaron Kramer. “I am very impressed with the positive and pro-active style of leadership Chad has shown from the first day he became acting chief, and also am eagerly anticipating a new level of cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department. I was also overwhelmed by the number of people who sent letters, emailed and called recommending Chad as the chief.”

Abram, 37, a native of Anoka, Minnesota, has been married to his wife, Lisa, for the past 11 years. They have two children, Lydia, age 8, and Emma, age 4. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997 with a degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminal law, juvenile justice and deviant behavior. Abram also spent two years playing Junior-A hockey with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where he was an alternate captain of the team in the 1992-93 season. He is also active in the community, as a member of the Crawford County Childrens Advisory Board, Prairie du Chien Kiwanis, Prairie du Chien Eagles Club, and the St. Gabriel’s Mens Club. He is also an avid golfer and softball player.

Prairie du Chien Police Chief Michael King announced his retirement today (Tuesday). His last official day will be June 30th 2010. He has served as Chief of Police for the past 14 years, but was placed on temporary suspension June 1st, pending an internal investigation.

"On behalf of all of us in city government, I want to wish Mike the best of luck in his future endeavors," said City Administrator Aaron Kramer. "The past few weeks have been difficult for all of us, but in all of my dealings with Mike, he has shown me the two qualities I look for in a Chief of Police - dignity and respect, even in this turbulent time. He will be missed. At this point, our internal investigation has come to a conclusion."

"Furthermore, I want to thank those who assisted in the internal investigation, including Chief King, and I want to stress that this investigation was not department-wide, did not involve anyone outside the Police Department, and it did not involve anyone in the Sheriff's Department," Kramer added.

The Police and Fire Commission will meet Thursday evening in closed session to discuss the future in regards to filling the position of Chief, which is currently being filled by Acting Chief Chad Abram.

Officer Joe Breeser, Acting Chief Chad Abram and Officer Stacy Polodna give a demonstration of the Stinger to Prairie Catholic 7th Grade Class on May 26th