On October 5th, 2024, the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police held its Annual State Conference in West Bend, WI. This important event was hosted by Kettle Moraine Lodge #10, proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Presentation of colors by West Bend Police Department, Germantown Police Department, and Hartford Police Department Honor Guards.
The state conference is a significant gathering for the WI FOP, bringing together leaders and members from across the state. Attendees included the State Executive Board, local lodge leaders, and numerous members who came together to discuss and manage the order’s critical business matters. It provided a valuable opportunity for sharing ideas and working cooperatively to advance the organization’s goals.
After the business meeting, participants engaged in a specialized training session on crisis communication for FOP and union leaders. Matt Dole from Communications Counsel conducted this session, which offered valuable insights and strategies for effective communication during challenging situations.
Matt Dole from Communications Counsel presenting on crisis communications for FOP leaders.
During the conference, we had the solemn honor of presenting resolutions to the families of fallen Wisconsin police officers Peter Jerving and Hunter Scheel, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice. This recognition pays tribute to their bravery and dedication to serving and protecting the community.
President Windorff presenting a WI FOP resolution to the family of Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving (End of Watch: February 7, 2023)
President Windorff presenting a WI FOP resolution to the the mother of Cameron Police Officer Hunter Scheel (End of Watch: April 8, 2023) along with Cameron Police Chief Adam Steffen.
We also presented Brother Nick Denis (Green Bay WI Lodge #2) with a resolution honoring his K9 partner, Mattis, who passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2024.
President Windorff presenting a WI FOP resolution to Brother Nick Denis in honor of his K9 partner Mattis.
The conference also included the WI FOP Awards ceremony, where we honored members who have gone above and beyond in their duties to protect and serve our communities.
Brother Michael Calmes (Green Bay WI Lodge #2) was awarded the WI FOP Meritorious Conduct Award for his longtime work organizing the Cops & Kids program in Brown County.
Brother Dan Skenandore (Green Bay WI Lodge #2) was awarded the WI FOP Medal of Honor for his actions in responding to an armed suspect threatening citizens on February 23, 2024, in Green Bay.
Brothers Jared Spreiter, Brock Majkowski, and Steven Hilleman (Kettle Moraine Lodge #10) were awarded the WI FOP Medal of Honor for their actions in responding to an armed suspect acting erratically at a middle school on October 23, 2023, in Germantown.
Brother Mark Wagner (Southeast Cities Lodge #11) was awarded the WI FOP Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional and enduring contributions to law enforcement.
Brother Mike Carroll (Northwest WI Lodge #25) was awarded the WI FOP Medal of Honor for his actions in responding to an armed suspect who had stabbed a citizen and was threatening others on October 8, 2023, in Rice Lake.
Brother Pete Ehlert (Fox Valley Area Lodge #14) was awarded the WI FOP Law Enforcement Memorial Award for his work in organizing the End of Watch Memorial Golf Outing for 20 years, which has donated more than $122,000 in memory of fallen officers from Wisconsin.
Brother Tim Fuerst (Green Bay WI Lodge #2) was awarded the WI FOP Life Saving Award for his actions, which saved the life of a citizen contemplating suicide by jumping from the Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay in June 2023.
Additionally, we were proud to present the newly created Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police Legislator of the Year award to State Senator Rob Hutton and State Representative Clint Moses, recognizing their support and contributions to law enforcement.
State Senator Rob Hutton (R) and State Representative Clint Moses (R) were presented with the first ever WI FOP Legislator of the Year Awards.
Elections for the State Executive Board were held during the event, and we are pleased to announce and congratulate the individuals elected to serve for the next two-year term:
- President: Ryan Windorff (Green Bay WI Lodge #2)
- Vice President: Mark Sette (Kettle Moraine Lodge #10)
- Secretary: Ryan Miller (Fox Valley Area Lodge #14)
- Treasurer: Randy Winkler (Green Bay WI Lodge #2)
- 2nd Vice President: Travis Vickney (Kettle Moraine Lodge #10)
- Sergeant at Arms: Shane Wrucke (Southeast Cities Lodge #11)
WI FOP National Trustee Jerry Johnson ceremoniously swore in the newly elected Executive Board.
National Trustee Jerry Johnson swearing in the newly elected WI FOP Executive Board.
We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors, whose support is invaluable to both the conference and our ongoing mission. A special thanks to our title sponsor, MacGillis Wiemer LLC, as well as Encore Music Productions, Inc., Comparion Insurance Agency, and the Washington County Deputy Sheriff’s Association for their continued support of our order and its members.
This year’s conference was a success, reinforcing the work of our order and highlighting the dedication of those who serve. We look forward to continuing the growth and impact of the WI FOP in Wisconsin to ensure a safer and better Wisconsin for our law enforcement and the communities we serve.
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