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Renkas sworn in as first ever Hobart-Lawrence police captain

By Josh Staloch
Staff Writer


HOBART – For the first time in its history, the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department has a captain.

Mike Renkas, a 13-year law enforcement professional and Marine Corps. veteran, whose most recent position was police lieutenant for the Town of Grand Chute – a title he held for more than four-and-a-half years – was officially sworn in Tuesday, April 19.

Hobart-Lawrence Chief Randy Bani, before serving notice that the appointment of Renkas would mean much more opportunity for him to delegate, listed Renkas’ qualifications, which he said were numerous.

Bani said over the course of his 13 years in law enforcement, Renkas has been a narcotics investigator, a criminal investigator, a SWAT Team member and an emergency response team member for the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department.

He holds a master’s degree in management, a bachelor’s in general studies and an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

Renkas is also currently a doctoral student at Liberty University for strategic leadership with a 4.0 grade point average.

In addition, he serves as an adjunct instructor for the recruit academy at Fox Valley Technical College where he teaches general law enforcement courses, defense and arrest tactics, firearms and fitness.  

“He’s also been decorated several times for outstanding performance in the line of duty,” Bani said. “Received numerous Outagamie County Best Badge awards for his work on criminal investigations. He also received the police star for his actions taken during a critical incident at the Fox River Mall, the shooting that they had there, Mike was one of the first on the scene for that event.”

Renkas said he is thrilled to be the joint police department’s first captain.

“I’m just really excited about the opportunity,” Renkas, who has two little boys, ages eight and six, with his wife, Andrea, said. “Both of these communities are growing and expanding and the possibilities make it a really exciting time to be here. I’m just really appreciative and humbled by the opportunity.”

The police captain position was created as part of the 2022 budget.

Food truck event

Clerk-treasurer Erica Berger updated the board on the upcoming Food Truck Rally, which is getting back on track following a two-year break because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Berger said this year’s goal is to make it a large family-friendly event. 

Hobart
Village of Hobart Clerk-Treasurer Erica Berger

She said the plan is for participating food trucks to donate 10% of their proceeds from the event to the Hobart-Lawrence K9 unit, which is funded solely through donations from the public.

The Food Truck Rally will be taking place from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Four Seasons Park.

More details will be released closer to the event.

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