40 Years 'One Hell of a Career,' Retiring Police Chief Says

When Saukville Police Chief Bill Meloy reflects on his upcoming retirement from the department, the nature of the conversation takes on the feel of a history lesson.

Meloy, 70, will wrap up a 40-year stay as Saukville's police chief on June 4, the end of his 45-year career with the village's law enforcement force agency.

"I get emotional because … it's the end — I've got two months to go," Meloy said between emotional tears that offer an obvious display of his passion and commitment to the position he's held for so long.

Did he ever expect to be what he guesses is the oldest-acting police chief in the state, and to hold such a long term in that role when he started at the part-time department in 1968?

Well, not necessarily, Meloy said.

"I enjoy the job so much, that the years just kept going," he said. "I'm not burned out. But turning 70 — I want to do something (where I’m not tied to a schedule)."

In the beginning

When Meloy started with the department in 1968, the law enforcement group was a part-time operation that operated out of current Police Chief Don Jacoby's home.

"Back then, there was no required training — there was no mandatory recruit training or anything else like that," Meloy added.

In 1972, Jacoby was injured after falling off a ladder, and the Police and Fire Commission offered Meloy the job.

Which he turned down.

"I didn't know if I was even qualified to handle a position like that," Meloy said.

About 6 months later, the commission came back to him.

"(They said), 'We're going to offer you the job one of more time, so if you don't accept it, we're going to (look) outside to hire," Meloy said; he started as chief on April 4, 1973. In January 1974, Meloy attended a recruit school in Madison to earn his certification for the field.

Growing the department

When Meloy started as chief, he knew he didn't want to operate out of his home as had been done with Jacoby's residence in the past. The police department at that time began operating out of a storage area in the building that is now the Firehouse Restaurant; at the time, the building also housed Village Hall and the Fire Department.

"I'm glad we all got along," he said, because the small space left very little room for privacy. "I can remember interviewing on the bumper of a firetruck," he added, because the interview room was being used by village officials, for instance.

Things were getting really crowded, so the village offices moved to the building that remains the Village Municipal building today; the Police Department moved into it's own and current building in 2009.

The department now operates with 11 full-time staff, including two civilian staff members, Meloy said.

Humor gets you through

Though he is police chief of a village with a population of less than 5,000 people, "I've seen a lot of … nasty stuff," Meloy said. He did a lot of the photo work for the department as well as the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office — which used to involve actually developing film — and often included photos of homicides, suicides and "serious" traffic accidents.

But you can't let the negative aspects of any job wear on you, Meloy said.

"First of all, you've got to manage your stress," Meloy said. "I have a sense of humor — I think that was helped me through stressful situations."

Meloy recalled an incident when a turkey chasing an Ozaukee Sheriff's Office staff with a couple other people made national news. A reporter visited Saukville and asked the chief to escort him to the field where the incident occurred to get a glimpse of the turkey.

The police chief was first in line as they entered the field, followed by another officer and the reporter, Meloy said. Meloy then yelled, "TURKEY!" and took off running. A chaotic camera filming ensued, but there was no turkey in sight — Meloy had pulled a prank.

"This is me, anybody that knows me — I haven’t changed other than got old," Meloy said.

Respect is what it's all about

"One thing I really take personal pride in, is dealing with people," Meloy said. "I never had anybody that ever wrote a letter to the editor or to the board or something about my demeanor."

Treating people with respect, Meloy said, is the key to earning it — and something all law enforcement officers should strive for.

"I've always tried to be a good representative of law enforecement, and my family," he said. "I don't use this badge as a pass. I'm there working as a tax payer – tax payers don't work for me. Police should be like a sheep dog watching over the flock — to keep the wolves away …. protect the community."

Meloy said he believes he did his best to respect the community throughout his 45-year career, and that he is really proud of that achievement and the support he's received from the community.

"I didn't have that head hunting (attitude)," Meloy said, referring to the stigma officers often face as not being likeable in the community.

Lt. Jeffrey Geotz, who will be taking over as chief in June, has been with the department for 28 years and said Meloy has been a great man to work with.

"(There's) something to be said for how he treats his people, and the mutual respect that's gained," Geotz said. "As long as I've been here, as far as I know — there has never been a grievance filed, ever. I don't think you can go to any police department and have someone tell you that."

Meloy also said he believes social skills are vital for someone to be a strong cop.

"You don't need high intellectual skills to be a cop — but you have to be a people person," he said. "Good cops can gather information … why? Because they have ability to talk to people."

Life as a retired man

Despite having worked past the age when people often retire, Meloy isn't necessarily looking forward to leaving his role behind.

"Find a job you really like and you'll never have to work a day in your life," he said. "I'm going to miss it."

But what Meloy does look forward to is a life without a regimented schedule — perfect for last-minute fishing trips when opportune weather hits, for example, rather than hoping the weather cooperates for a planned fishing weekend.

Meloy also said he may do some volunteering, possible at the Wisconsin Humane Society or maybe at the Rivoli Theatre in Cedarburg. Meloy's dad was a projectionist at the theatre for many years and his sister had worked selling tickets there — so the opportunity offers a reminiscent experience.

Meloy also has children and grandchildren scattered in the areas of Port, Saukville and Fredonia and lives with his wife of 50 years — so he has family time to look forward to.

"I've had a good life, my health has been good — what more can you ask for?" he said. "I have no complaints, it's been one hell of a career. Was every day fun? (No.) But you deal with it. What my dad used to say to me … 'Every day is a good day, just some days are better.'"