SevenQuestionsWith ...  

  Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Wade recently announced he will retire at the end of this year, after leading the Kenosha Police Department for nearly a decade and serving as a police officer for 35 years. He’s always quick to tell you about spending time with his wife and granddaughters, and his affinity for M&Ms. He also says he rarely eats donuts these days, but he told us he still really enjoys cake donuts topped with vanilla frosting.

The Chief will now take your questions ...

  What are your plans for retirement? Not much really, doing what I want, when I want. Spending time with my wife and granddaughters. I do plan to stay in the Kenosha area, I have lived here all my life and to be honest, I haven’t found any nicer place to live.
  What’s your favorite part of Kenosha? Like most people, the lakefront and our numerous well maintained parks.
  What has been the biggest challenge you faced as chief? Convincing the public that the Kenosha Police Department is comprised of men and women whose sole purpose is to provide a safe and secure place for them to live. Also, trying to educate the public on what limitations the laws actually allow us to do. People have a general misunderstanding of what it takes to make an arrest that will stand up in court.
  What would you consider the unsafe parts of the city to live in? There is no area of the city that is safer than others, as it pertains to violent crimes. However, the inner city area is more prevalent to acts of vandalism and neighbor disputes due to density of the population.
  What qualities should the city look for in your successor? Patience, common sense, compassion, determination and above all, a good sense of humor.
  What do you do in your spare time? Golf, yard work, golf, read, and golf.
  Looking back on your career, what do you wish you could change? I’m not sure I would have changed a thing about my career personally. I have been blessed with a very supportive family, both at home and at the department. No one could have asked to be surrounded by better people.

   If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be doing? After 35 years in law enforcement, I can’t really imagine. I’d like to think I’d be golfing in the PGA, but that’s just a pipe dream!
   What are some areas that you feel should be “targeted” for improvement? The older areas of the city should be targeted for funds to improve the quality of life by rehabilitation and beautification. I truly believe that if people are surrounded by nice things, pride will keep it that way.
   Why change the logo on the police cars? Financially, it was beneficial and gave the cars a cleaner, more modern look.
   What’s your favorite crime-related TV show? Criminal Minds, CSI (if only a lab like their’s really existed for us.)
   How has being police chief changed you? My wife would tell you that I have lost some of my patience and I have to agree with her. I have more understanding of how government works and and what the term “politically correct” really means.
   What’s the best thing about being a police officer? The ability to positively affect those we come in contact with. It’s not necessarily positive for anyone breaking the law, but one can hope that they will learn from their misdeeds.
   What’s your best memory as a police officer? Quite frankly, anytime I get to deal with the children of this community. Children are unpretentious, non-judgmental, and truly appreciate what police are and can do for them.
   What’s your biggest pet peeve? Lack of common sense in our society and parents not being parents.
   What are you most likely to be doing on a Friday night? Going to Culvers’ and having a “sleep over” with our granddaughters.
   What sports teams do you root for? Do golfers have teams?
   What’s your favorite destination outside of Kenosha? Fishing in Canada with my wife.
   When you’re off duty, cruising the Interstate, what music are you listening to? Anything relaxing like Celtic music, Enya, Roger Whittaker and, of course, old time rock & roll.

When we took your questions to the Chief this week, he gave us both a set of honest answers and some that were a little more sarcastic. We appreciate his sense of humor. Here are some of those answers ...

  What would you consider the unsafe parts of the city to live in? The Mayor’s office
  What has been the biggest challenge you faced as chief? Trying to get my wife to follow my directives
  What’s your favorite part of Kenosha? The “o”
  What’s your favorite destination outside of Kenosha? Canada — cell phones don’t work there.
  Looking back on your career, what do you wish you could change? My hair color
  When you’re off duty, cruising the interstate, what music are you listening to? Since it would be off duty, it would be my wife’ choice, as she always says, “My car, my music.”