Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
Shawano Police Chief Ed Whealon on Friday announced he will retire in April.
Whealon has been with the Shawano Police Department for more than 34 years — out of a 37-year career in law enforcement — and will have been Shawano’s chief for 12 years when he relinquishes his badge and gun on April 4.
“Over half of my life has been devoted to the Shawano Police Department and the city of Shawano. I have enjoyed every moment, and I would do it all again in a minute,” Whealon said.”It has been a great ride. An absolute pleasure.”
Not that there haven’t been parts of the ride Whealon wouldn’t mind forgetting.
“As anyone knows, this job has its highs and lows. I think I have experienced most of them,” he said. “I won’t miss the low stuff.”
Whealon, 58, said he has seen a number of tragic events, including suicides, over the years, some of which took place over Christmas during the days he was still out on patrol.
The highs, he said, include working with a department that he has come to regard as family.
“I have had the privilege to work with a many great officers and being a part of many things through my career with the Shawano P.D.; for that I will be eternally grateful,” he said.
Whealon said he has seen a lot of change in the community over the years and is pleased with the way city officials have adapted.
“I think the city is going in the right direction,” he said.
One last thing Whealon hopes will be wrapped up before he goes is the department’s transition to electronic transfer of files to the Shawano County district attorney’s office.
“We’re close to starting that up,” he said.
Whealon has also served as president of the Wisconsin Police Chiefs Association, where he is also on the Legislative Committee, and the North Central Chiefs of Police Association.
Whealon said his retirement plans aren’t too specific.
“I’m going to do what I want to do,” he said. “I’m going to enjoy life with my wife.”
His wife, Diana, operates the Complete Canine Care Center in Shawano.
Whealon said he won’t be spending his time in a rocking chair on the front porch, and he and Diana might do some traveling.
“I won’t be bored,” he said. “I’m going to enjoy myself.”
Mayor Lorna Marquardt said Whealon’s letter of resignation was not a total surprise.
“We had conversations during 2013 that led me to believe he was planning to retire,” she said.
“Whealon served the citizens and the city well,” Marquardt said. “He is highly respected throughout the state by other law enforcement agencies. He led the department through a difficult time when several long-term officers retired and had to be replaced.”
Marquardt said she always appreciated Whealon’s “tell it like it is” style.
“He never sugar-coated things; he said what was on his mind. I respected him for that,” she said. “Although he could come across as firm and assertive when he needed to be, he also has a very compassionate caring side. He was a good leader and role model. I will miss him.”
It will be up to the city’s Police and Fire Commission to hire a new chief, though the Common Council will set the salary and benefits.