By Christopher Kuhagen
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WAUKESHA, Wis. — The Waukesha Police Department was more than Mark Stigler’s career.
“I consider the department my family and my home,” Stigler said.
With his retirement on Wednesday, it hasn’t been easy to step down after a 29-year run.
“It’s very, very difficult to leave,” Stigler, 51, said. “I feel I have been part of the Waukesha Police family since I was born so that’s why it’s extremely hard to leave.” Stigler’s father was involved within the department and served as the police chief from 1979-96. That meant in addition to hearing all the interesting and sometimes frightening stories that his father, Thomas, told him after a day’s work, Stigler, as a young boy, had the opportunity to learn what police life was like.
It was also when he formed connections at the department.
He would join his family at department parties, functions and events. He would become friends with other police officer’s kids as well as having the opportunity when he was 6 years old to be part of a Women’s Police Auxiliary float during a Christmas parade. Even so, Stigler didn’t necessarily envision himself putting on a badge just as his dad did.
“I didn’t,” Stigler said. “I grew up in a family of six boys and three girls and none of us ever thought of it. We were raised in the ‘60s and going into law enforcement was not a popular thing to do. People didn’t think highly of it. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.” Rising to the top He was, however, sure of one thing: He wanted to serve others in some capacity. After graduating from Catholic Memorial High School he joined the Army. During that time, Stigler was a member of the Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., where his duties included presiding over ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery.
When the Waukesha native finished his duties and his associate degree while in the Army, he returned home in 1982. He would never leave that home again - until now.
Waukesha Police Chief Russell Jack, who spoke at yesterday’s retirement ceremony, said Stigler’s dedication cannot be understated. “Mark’s retirement creates a huge hole in the Waukesha Police Department with that much time and experience spent here,” Jack said. “He has been very instrumental in the department’s success with new administration. All that we’ve accomplished as a department, he’s been important in that. He’s been the rock for the department.” Throughout the years, Stigler moved up the ranks just as if he was climbing a ladder trying to reach the top. After serving as a patrol officer for nine years, he was promoted to detective in 1991. Stigler was then promoted four more times during his lengthy career.
He was named sergeant in 1999, was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, captain in 2006 and deputy chief on Jan. 26, 2010.
“I have tried my best to build upon the gains and successes of those officers who came before me in each of those positions by hopefully leaving them a little better than when I came into them,” Stigler said. “Learning and adapting to all of these different positions and shifts (three times he had 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. shifts) was a great challenge - but one I relished.
“I was never bored.” Witnessing the bizarre He reinforced that he credits his entire department in his ascension in the department.
“I am just a product of those many great patrol officers, veteran detectives, supervisors and chiefs who have helped me grow and learn and at times, have reined me in,” Stigler said. “Without them, I would not have succeeded. I will always be indebted to them for taking the time to mentor me and show me a strategic vision of public safety.
“The police department’s mission has always been to ensure the safety of our community.
I have been just a small part of a larger team that met that goal during my time here.” However, Jack said teaching others was something that Stigler did as well. “He was a good mentor,” said Jack, who has been police chief for just under two years. “He’s worked well with the captains and has had a part in my development.” Stigler wouldn’t trade any of it, even some of the outlandish events that come with the territory of being a police officer.
“Cops see many bizarre things in their careers that leave an indelible impression on their mind,” Stigler said.
He recalled the time he dug up a person who had been dead for seven years, when he intervened in a brutal ax attack and when he had to pull a drowning child from a dark pond.
Public service in the family Stigler remembers his father coming home and telling the stories he had.
“Watching what he went through had an affect on me in a positive way and in my future,” Stigler said. “Once you see what it’s like, you want to experience it.” Others experienced it as well. Mark’s wife, Sherri, and his brother, Brian, are former Waukesha police-fire dispatchers. Mark’s wife was also a police officer. His brother, Tom, works within the Milwaukee Police Department and his niece is a police officer in Muskego.
“Public service is important to my family,” Mark said. “I guess you can say law enforcement is in our blood.” Jack recognized this and the fact that the Stigler family has put in more than 80 years of service with the Waukesha Police Department.
“His family has been here for decades and have had a big influence,” Jack said. “They’ve had a huge impact.” Filling the void Given Stigler’s experience, can the department adequately replace him so quickly? Jack has already addressed that possible issue and has one word for that inquiry.
“Teamwork,” Jack said. “It will take a team effort to replace all the skills and knowledge Mark brought to the department.” Capt. Dennis Angle will be the one leading this team, as he has been promoted to take over the deputy police chief position.
“It’s a challenge,” Angle said of replacing Stigler. “I enjoy challenges, but his retirement leaves a large void. Not one individual will fill that void. I was lucky enough to be selected, and I’m anxious to move forward.” This is the latest move for Angle, who has replaced Stigler on a few other occasions as a result of promotions since his career began in 1995 as a patrol officer.
While Stigler was a fixture for almost three decades, he is confident in the direction of the department.
“Being a historian of the department and having a good view of where the department has been and where it currently is, the department has a bright future,” Stigler said. “We have highly educated and highly trained officers coming up.” Moreover, Stigler trusts Angle.
“Dennis Angle is a terrific leader who has been trained by myself and the chief,” Stigler said. “He has the aptitude to do a great job.” Book on the horizon Jack and Angle added the transition shouldn’t be too painful since Stigler has always tried to make any transition as smooth as possible. This was made possible because both said Stigler always kept meticulous documents on his job duties.
“One of Mark’s strong points is his succession planning,” Jack said. “Everything is in writing on how to do his job. He puts things on paper or in the computer to make it easier in preparing for the next person. He truly cares.” Angle added, “He was a mentor to myself and takes the time to coach others so they can succeed. He always makes it an easy transition so it is better for the next person.” Stigler’s retirement comes about a year and a half after he was promoted to the deputy chief position. He also received a Master of Arts degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security in December 2010. That included taking an online class and doing work in California and West Virginia, which he paid for on his own.
He hopes to use the experience and training he has received by teaching and working with other people and organizations.
He also wants to write a couple books. “My career is not finished yet,” said Stigler, who has five children, ages 10 to 29. “You haven’t heard the last of me. I have a lot of gas left in my tank, but first, I will take a month off to just relax before I charge ahead into my new life ... I but I still have other dreams to chase, hills to climb and challenges to meet.
“I have now realized it takes a lot of courage to leave what you know and leap into the next episode of your life. This is just a new chapter for me, not the end of the book.”
Copyright 2011 Journal Sentinel