Rick Oliva, who served as Franklin’s police chief for nearly two decades before retiring in January 2024, has died.
Craig Liermann, the current Franklin police chief, shared the sad news in a morning email to all City of Franklin staff on April 15. He said Oliva was respected for his leadership, commitment to public safety and support of those in the department.
“Chief Oliva’s contributions to the profession and to our community will have a lasting impact and will not be forgotten,” Liermann wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
He said Oliva served with “honor, integrity, and unwavering dedication.”
Prior to his 18 1/2 years as Franklin chief, Oliva, 71, spent 27 years with the Milwaukee Police Department, rising to the level of captain.
Oliva had just been appointed by the Common Council on Wednesday, April 8, to serve on Franklin’s Police and Fire Commission.
Oliva was pronounced dead at his home at 3:25 p.m. April 14, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner.
Franklin Mayor John Nelson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the news was “extremely sad and tragic.” Nelson said he fully stands behind what Liermann wrote to city staff.
When dealing with the media, Oliva always presented himself as professional and authoritative while simultaneously speaking with compassion. He was quick to respond when contacted, blunt with his answers when needed, transparent with situations where possible and shared his personal feelings only when appropriate.
Friends and colleagues remember Police Chief Rick Oliva as ‘a great leader’
Steve Olson, who served as Franklin’s mayor from 2014-2023, said Oliva was “a great leader and good friend to many.”
“He was the right cop to transform our department and provide a vision and plan for public safety,” Olson said. “He had a tremendous sense of humor and his love for his wife Jackie and his children Hanna and Joey was boundless. He will be greatly missed.”
Olson also shared with the Journal Sentinel a letter he wrote at the time of Oliva’s retirement. In it, he highlighted how Oliva was a “cop’s cop” who was known for his by-the-book attitude and tough discipline, but that he also always looked out for his people.
Olson said Oliva was realistic in his goals as chief, and had been a leader in police training and community involvement, including starting a biannual Citizens Academy at the department to familiarize residents with police operations.
Working together through good and dark days, Olson said Oliva had been a rock for him.
“I will always be grateful for the Chief’s service, friendship and help in protecting the city,” Olson wrote.
Franklin’s former city clerk Sandi Wesolowski first met Oliva when he was hired as police chief in 2005. They became friends and kept in touch following his retirement.
“He was such a great person who I truly respected, both professionally and personally,” Wesolowski said. “He will be missed, but greatly remembered.”
Wesolowski’s husband, Jesse, still serves as Franklin’s city attorney.
“It brings tears to my eyes,” Jesse Wesolowski said of Oliva’s sudden death. “He was a great man. My prayers are there for him.”
Oliva worked through the ranks in Milwaukee
Oliva started his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer with the City of Milwaukee in July 1978. At MPD, Oliva worked as a shift commander for Districts 2 and 3. He worked with the department’s gang squad, patrol support division, street crimes, SWAT units, dive team, K-9 unit, accident reconstruction and operation-and-planning units.
He left his position as commanding officer for Milwaukee’s District 3 in May 2005, when he was appointed Franklin’s police chief.
The Journal Sentinel spoke with Oliva in December 2023, just prior to his retirement where he reflected on his career.
“I wanted a career that had meaning,” Oliva said. “A career where I could make differences in people’s lives. A job that I would be able to help my community be a safer place to be. I also liked the idea that every day would be different because I get bored with routine.”
Oliva is survived by his wife Jackie and their daughter Hannah. A son, Joseph, died in May 2025.
Contact Erik at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Follow his Facebook page, The Redheadliner Erik S. Hanley, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Franklin police chief remembered for ‘unwavering dedication’
Reporting by Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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