Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Chwala, Aumann, Klueckmann
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 1/11/2017
Neillsville’s Newest Police Officer (Chwala – 2 January 2017)
Brett Chwala, 23, of Chippewa Falls officially began his duties as an officer with the Neillsville Police Department (NPD) Jan. 2, 2017. Chwala takes a break from his training shift Jan. 3, to pose for a photo outside the NPD building. (Photo by Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)
By Todd Schmidt
The Neillsville Police Department (NPD) is back to full strength with the addition of new officer Brett Chwala, 23, of Chippewa Falls.
Chwala began his duties with the NPD Jan. 2, replacing officer Jacob Aumann, who resigned effective Dec. 31, to pursue education in another career path.
Chwala is a 2012 graduate of Stanley-Boyd High School. He then attended Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, obtaining a degree in criminal justice/law enforcement in April 2015.
He comes to NPD with 14 months of small town patrolman experience. He worked for the Cornell Police Department for eight months and the Augusta Police Department for six months.
Chwala is certified with the intoximeter and crash scene management. He worked as a volunteer for the drug take-back event in Chippewa County.
Neillsville Police Chief Scott Klueckmann said he is impressed with the way his newest officer handles himself.
“The first time we met, I noticed Brett to be very respectful and polite,” Klueckmann said. “He had good eye contact, a firm handshake, and was not afraid to be outside his comfort zone. The law enforcement hiring process can be a daunting experience, but he handled himself well under stress. He engaged with myself and the Police and Fire Commission well and communicated effectively.
“These are all qualities we look for when hiring a police officer. He is just a solid officer candidate and fully qualified for our open position.”
Chwala explained why he enjoys being a police officer.
“I like helping people every day and learning something new each day,” Chwala said. “In police work, you are always doing something different each shift.”
Chwala looks forward to connecting to the community and meeting new people.
His hobbies include being outside, hunting, fishing, and working on the family beef cattle farm.
