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Summit Police Department Mission Statement

The Town of Summit Police Department is a professional department. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our community and citizens that we serve. Our mission is to protect life and property, to prevent crime, and to enforce all laws. We also strive to be fair and give equal service to all citizens.

Police Department Values

• Human Life: We reserve life and dignity above all else.
• Fairness: We will strive to be fair in all our actions.
• Courage: We will strive to be courageous in handling all situations that arise.
• Compassion: We will show empathy and caring for victims of all complaints.
• Responsiveness: We will be responsive to the needs of the community, working together to solve problems of mutual concern.
• Cooperation: We believe that cooperation among ourselves, members of the community, and other departments is essential.
• Accountability: We are responsible for our conduct and performance, both to ourselves and the community.
• Honesty: We will strive to be honest in all our actions.

This value statement was created by the officers of the Town of Summit Police Department in April 1993. We subscribe to these values today.

History of the Summit Police Department

From "Tiger" to "da Jorg", from a $575 "motor patrol" squad to a $20,000 Police Interceptor, the Town of Summit Police Department has evolved with the times.

On November 15, 1930 the Summit Town Board appointed Raymond "Tiger" Reich as the first full-time law enforcement officer. He was always accompanied by his dog, Thunder.

In 1931, the town board decided to purchase a "motor patrol". It cost the town $575. It took many trips to Waukesha due to having no radio communications. Finally in 1940 a two-way radio was put in the squad to communicate with the Sheriff's Department and it cut down on useless trips to Waukesha.

It was not until 1953 when the town's population rose to 1000, that the Town of Summit hired another officer. Jake Ellsworth was hired part-time for $1.50 an hour. The following year he became a full-time officer.

In 1956 Edward Greenwald was hired, and became the fourth full-time officer. February of 1963 saw the passing of Tiger Reich at the age of 64, and Ed Greenwald became Summit's second Chief. Filling the openings on the department were James Schuyler and Phillip Braatz.

The Oconomowoc area was shocked, when in 1975, a 16 year old ambushed Robert Atkins and Wayne Olson. The officers were killed as they entered their squad in front of the Summit Town Hall. More information here.

Chief Greenwald retired in 1985. Sgt. James Schuyler, a lifetime Town of Summit resident, was promoted to Chief. The department grew to a staff of six, in keeping up with rapid development of the town. Chief Schuyler was innovative in his tenure. He brought the very first mobile data terminals (squad mounted computers) to the area. He also changed from a traditional revolving type light bar to the now popular strobe light bar for patrol vehicles.

After Chief Schuyler decided to retire, following 30 plus years of service to the Town, James Race took over. With a few changes along the way, there are now several officers with more then 10 years with the department. The department also maintains a part-time staff to fill in on vacations and work boat patrol.

The Town of Summit Police Department looks forward to the future, and will continue to strive to bring the best quality law enforcement to the residents.

Article written by Officer Mike Sterwald with information from the book - "The Summit of Oconomowoc: 150 years of Summit Town" by Barbara & David Barquist.