Retiring Cudahy police chief wants 'positive contributions' to continue

“Hello Cudahy Police Department, this is Tom, how can I help you?”

That’s the universal greeting Cudahy Police Chief Tom Poellot always gives when answering the phone. While it may sound basic, it was inspired as part of a crisis management program that Poellot has been a part of for years.

Since 2013, Poellot works as a trainer with Miller from Milwaukeea conflict management organization that focuses on non-escalation and de-escalation techniques. He has taught courses across the country from California to New York.

“We teach people how to treat people right,” Poellot said of Vistelar.

This salute will no longer be heard at Cudahy Police because Poellot has retired and his last day was December 20th.

Now that he’s retired after 37 1/2 years in law enforcement, he plans to get more involved in training.

The Journal Sentinel sat down with Poellot to learn more about his four decades in the field — what’s changed, what’s the same and what does the future hold?

What has changed in law enforcement since you started?

Poellot paused, noting that there was “almost too much to count,” but focused on the technology. He said things are changing quickly in law enforcement.

“We don’t write paper tickets anymore,” he said with a laugh.

While we say the benefits of technology like license plate readers and squad computers are great, it can be a challenge to keep up.

There’s also a budget concern, plus the training needed to keep up with the latest features and methods, he said.

What hasn’t changed?

Poellot said it’s almost more important to remember what hasn’t changed.

“We work with people,” he said, adding that police still need to show people dignity and respect, just like they always have. “It is the most important. We are policing the people of this country with their consent.”

How can police departments help their officers treat people fairly?

“It starts internally,” Poellot said. “If (officers) aren’t treated well internally, why would we think they would treat others well on the street?”

He said it’s all about focus, where instead of talking about “war stories,” a term police often use for their tougher days, officers share their successes.

“Everybody has stories,” Poellot said. “We don’t celebrate war stories; we celebrate stories of peace.”

What is his best advice for the future police chief?

Capt. Tony Andrews succeeds Poellot as Cudahy’s police chief. Andrews has been with the Cudahy Police Department since 2005 as a patrol officer, SWAT team member, detective and captain since 2020, according to a news release from the city of Cudahy.

The Cudahy Police and Fire Commission approved Andrews’ promotion on Dec. 11. He was sworn in as chief on December 21.

Andrews said he was honored to work with Poellot during his 17 years as Cudahy’s police chief.

“I am honored and humbled to be named the new police chief,” Andrews said in the release. “I look forward to maintaining the positive working relationships I have established with citizens, local leaders and officers. Together, we will continue to make a positive difference and continue to serve with pride and integrity.”

Poellot said Andrews has been part of developing the culture at the Cudahy Police Department.

The best advice for the future boss is to “be aware of everything that’s going on”.

“Don’t bury your head in your office work,” warned Poellot.

Why are you retiring now?

Poellot said he knew the time was right for him to step away, but it still wasn’t an easy choice.

“I feel great about leaving the department in such capable hands,” he said.

He will miss the people the most, saying Cudahy as a whole “is such a great place to work.”

Poellot was appointed chief in December 2007.

Prior to this position, Poellot had a varied career. He began law enforcement with the US Army Military Police Corps as a traffic accident investigator from 1986 to 1989.

He later served several other law enforcement agencies as a corrections officer, police officer, undercover narcotics investigator, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and administrative captain, according to a resolution passed by the Cudahy Common Council honoring his service to the city .

Poellot received that of the general prosecutor 2016 Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

“I want to thank the elected officials, board and commission members, other city employees, Cudahy Police Department staff, all of our system partners and especially the citizens of Cudahy who have always supported public safety,” he said. he said when asked if he had a final message to the community. “It has been a gratifying and humbling experience to be Cudahy’s Chief of Police for 17 years.”

Making positive contributions to society will not end with retirement

While many retire and plan fishing or camping trips, Poellot plans training trips.

In a way, he said he’ll be busier now that he’s getting more involved as a coach with Vistelar. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You have to make positive contributions to society,” he said. “I’m not looking at rest and relaxation, but I want to contribute.”

Poellot’s career is marked by a dedication to helping people manage conflict, whether it’s non-escalation and de-escalation training through Vistelar or his dedication to domestic violence prevention.

“Domestic violence work is homicide prevention work,” Poellot said.

Poellot served as chair of the Domestic Violence Committee for the Milwaukee County Law Enforcement Executives Association from 2011 to 2022. He also spent nine years as a board member Sojourner Family Peace Centera nonprofit domestic violence prevention and intervention organization, among other roles.

Carmen Pitre, president and CEO of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, called Poellot’s work “impactful.”

“He cares deeply about being a public servant and his role in protecting and helping people,” she said. “He cares deeply about survivors and wanted to see action.”

Part of that action was the push to get the lethality assessment program adopted in Milwaukee.

“It’s a tool that law enforcement uses on the scene to try to predict who is more likely to be killed than not,” Pitre said. “He got every chief in Milwaukee County to agree to sign and adopt the protocol.”

A passion for policing and training

Poellot said he looks forward to working more with Vistelar full-time “teaching people how to stay safe.” He said he particularly enjoys working with hospitals because hospital staff are more likely to be bullied than those in other careers.

“Our goal is to keep people safe verbally if we can, physically if we have to,” Poellot said.

Bill Singleton, a partner with Vistelar, said he became good friends with Poellot over the past decade.

“He’s someone who has that level of professionalism,” Singleton said. “He brings integrity, he brings energy when he trains, but he’s very compassionate and empathetic when he trains. He really takes that extra time to get to know the audience, understand what their needs are and really connect with them.”

Singleton called Vistelar “a homegrown company” in Milwaukee, which has been around for about 15 years. From police officers to parking attendants and bus operators, the company trains people from many industries in crisis management.

The organization offers in-person and online courses. More information can be found at vistelar.com877-690-8230 or by contacting Singleton directly at [email protected].

Contact Erik S. Hanley at [email protected]. Like his Facebook page, Redheadlinerand follow X @Redheadliner.