Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson plans to retire after 26 years of service with the police department.
Olson became Appleton’s first female police chief when she took over the department in early 2023. She will continue to serve as chief until the Police and Fire Commission selects a successor, which is expected by Jan. 4.
“I will always cherish my time here and the relationships I’ve built along the way,” Olson said. “My proudest accomplishment will always be serving the community I grew up in and being part of the Appleton Police Department for 26 years. What we have here at APD is special, and that’s because of the unique qualities each of our team members bring to this organization.”
In sharing the news with the department, Olson expressed gratitude for the people, culture and mission that have shaped her career.
“This has not been an easy decision because this department and each of you mean so much to me,” Olson said. “Serving alongside such dedicated, professional and compassionate people has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
The police department identified a series of accomplishments under Olson’s leadership. They include:
Olson was hired in 2001 as a patrol officer and advanced to school resource officer, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief before becoming chief. She was named 2008 Woman Officer of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of Women Police, 2010 Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year by NAMI Fox Valley and 2012 Officer of the Year by the Appleton Police Department.
Lt. John Ostermeier said the department will share additional information about the selection process for the next chief as it becomes available.
Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X at @DukeBehnke.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson will retire in early 2027
Reporting by Duke Behnke, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
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