BY JOHN CRAEMER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
GREEN BAY – A ceremony was held at Lambeau Field on Monday, April 15, where the Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) promoted nine and swore in a patrol officer and commander who transferred from other Wisconsin agencies.
“I happen to think we’ve got a pretty good thing going here in the city of Green Bay,” Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich said during the ceremony. “No. 1, according to U.S. News and World Report — not just according to the mayor — but that kind of stuff, we recognize what an amazing system of public safety that we have here led by our police force. So, thanks to all of you for signing up, for raising your hand, for joining, and for continuing on, because it really means a heck of a lot, not just to me, but to the entire community.’
“And this is an exciting time for the department and for the community. We’re blessed to live in Green Bay. It’s a safe, vibrant, and growing community,” stated Green Bay Police and Fire Commission President Rod Goldhahn.
Those sworn in and recognized included: Investigations Commander Shannon Seymer-Tabaska: 33 years of service — Milwaukee Police Department; Professional Standards Commander Rick Belanger: 25 years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Administrative Captain Andy Oppermann: 19 years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Patrol Lieutenant Steve Meisner: 10 years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Patrol Sergeant Alex Carlson: seven years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Patrol Sergeant Cameron Boersma: five years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Patrol Sergeant Paul Linsmeyer: six years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Patrol Sergeant Chris Kuptz: seven years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Detective Ben Harvath: seven years of service — Green Bay Police Department; Detective Kevin Bahl: 13 years of service — Green Bay Police Department;
Patrol Officer Aaron Kopp: two years of service — Sturtevant Police Department.
The GBPD now has 178 sworn staff including two recruit officers, who will graduate this year from a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board program.
“You’re now held to a higher standard by virtue of the position that you hold. Never forget that,” said GBPD Chief Chris Davis.
“You know, you hear the old adage that rank has its privileges. No, it doesn’t. Rank comes with a lot of responsibility. Because people, human beings are wired to need leadership, and they’re looking to you to provide them with that thing that they need. So remember that responsibility, and I know that you will all live up to it.”