Outgoing Chief Arthur Jones Says Hegerty Up For Job
The Milwaukee Channel
MILWAUKEE -- Friends, family, elected officials and police officers gathered Tuesday to witness Milwaukee history as the city’s first female police chief took the oath of office.
Nannette Hegerty’s husband held the Bible as she was sworn in by federal Judge J.P. Stadmueller, a longtime friend.
In her acceptance speech, Hegerty pledged to make Milwaukee a safer place to live, and she also promised to try to avoid the spotlight.
“This organization consists of well over 2,000 individuals who work as a team to face and overcome the evil of crime on our city streets. It is the team that is the Milwaukee Police Department, not me,” Hegerty said.
Afterward, speaking to reporters, Hegerty continued that theme. She said that the department has become too top-heavy.
“We need to move our focus to the officers on the street because that’s where we see results, and that’s what we need. That’s how you energize people, you appreciate them for what they do,” Hegerty said.
And in a show of support, one-by-one, well-wishers made a point to congratulate her, even outgoing Chief Arthur Jones.
“Certainly Nannette Hegerty has the skills and ability to be a great chief. I certainly wish her well. It’s not an easy. I can certainly say it’s not an easy task. But I believe she’s up for the task,” Jones said.
The oath took effect Tuesday at midnight, but Hegerty didn’t waste any time launching into her new duties -- she spent the day meeting with aldermen about crime issues.
Hegerty starts out with the full support of the Milwaukee Common Council, 12 News reporter Nick Bohr said.
“I was very, very impressed with her. Not only knowledge of the department, but you know, the ideas that she presented. I think she will do extremely well,” Milwaukee Common Council President Marvin Pratt said.
After taking the oath of office, Hegerty met with Milwaukee Alderman Angel Sanchez to hear his concerns about crime on the south side.
Tuesday night, Hegerty met with the Sherman Park Neighborhood Association.