Waukesha Police Department

06/13/2026

Sgt. Danowski has been selected as the recipient of the Monthly Vision Performance (MVP) Award for the month of May. As a state certified instructor, he consistently evaluates how we can provide a higher level of training to our officers and regularly researches ways to improve officer safety.

Sgt. Danowski identified that the training shoot house at our range had not been reconfigured in many years. While the training shoot house has long served as a valuable training resource, he recognized the opportunity to elevate our training capabilities by re-designing the layout. This was no small undertaking, and it required extensive planning, coordination, and hours of physically demanding labor. He coordinated the project timeline, organized a dedicated group of personnel to assist with the remodel, and added several other unique training capabilities in the new design that it hadn’t had before.

The final product will undoubtedly enhance the quality of training provided to officers which will directly contribute to officer safety and keep the citizens in the community safe.

Sgt. Danowski has exemplified our Department Mission and Vision through his initiative and commitment to providing the best training possible for the entire department. Outstanding job Sgt. Danowski and congratulations on earning MVP #16!

06/12/2026

We know for many children in our community, today is the first day of summer break! As the excitement kicks off, we’re asking all parents and caregivers to have fun AND keep an eye on your kids 👀

🚲 Watch for children riding bikes
🏀 Expect more playing in neighborhoods and parks
🚗 Drivers: slow down and stay alert—kids may not always look before crossing
🌳 Set clear check-in times and talk about safety expectations

Summer should be full of great memories—and a little extra awareness goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.

Enjoy the break, stay safe, and look out for one another!

06/11/2026

Today the Waukesha Police Department remembers fallen Detective George Schmidling. Schmilding lost his life in the life of duty in 1961 after six years of service with the Police Department. He also served in the United States Navy.

06/10/2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 2:40PM CDT until June 10 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
SVRMKX

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southwestern Ozaukee County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Milwaukee County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Eastern Walworth County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Racine County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Waukesha County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Southern Washington County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Southeastern Dodge County in southeastern Wisconsin...
Kenosha County in southeastern Wisconsin...

* Until 400 PM CDT.

* At 239 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Watertown to near Capron, moving east at 45
mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include...
Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, West Allis, Wauwatosa, New
Berlin, Brookfield, Greenfield, Menomonee Falls, Oak Creek, Mount
Pleasant, Muskego, Watertown, Mequon, South Milwaukee, Pleasant
Prairie, Cudahy, Antioch, and Hartford.

People attending Wednesday Night Live at State Fair , and Glendale
Live at the Oasis should seek safe shelter immediately!

Other landmarks included are the following Locations Schlitz Audobon
Nature Center, Boerner Botanical Gardens, General Mitchell
International Airport, Timmerman Airport, Froedert & the Medical
College, Fiserv Forum, Pewaukee Lake, Ottawa Lake Recreation Area,
and Pinewoods Campground.

Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

06/10/2026

The Waukesha Police Department is proud to share our congratulations to Lieutenant Chad Pergande on graduating from the 12th Session of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College!

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College is a collaborative initiative between the Certified Public Manager® Program of UW Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau. This is an advanced leadership development program designed to prepare current and emerging law enforcement leaders for the complex challenges facing public safety organizations. Through executive-level leadership education, strategic planning, and collaboration with peers from agencies across Wisconsin, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead effectively, address the ever-evolving challenges facing public safety, and strengthen the communities they serve.

Please join us in congratulating Lt. Pergande on this achievement and recognizing his ongoing commitment to serving the people of Waukesha, while helping move our profession forward.

06/08/2026

Did you know you can pick up a free gun lock at the Waukesha Police Department front counter during regular business hours?

Cable gun locks:
☑ Help buy time during a crisis—creating space to pause, reflect, and stay safe
☑ Fit a wide range of handguns, shotguns, and rifles
☑ Add an extra layer of protection wherever fi****ms are stored

If you or someone you know may be struggling, please reach out to local resources or a trusted support system. You can also call or text 988, the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, any time.

06/05/2026

We are proud to play a role in helping Waukesha earn recognition as the 8th safest mid-size city in the nation and the safest mid-size city in Wisconsin.

This achievement reflects the strength of our partnership with the community we serve every day. Together, we will continue working to keep Waukesha a safe place to live, work, and visit.

The City of Waukesha has recently received national recognition on two independent rankings, highlighting the community as an exceptional place to live and one of the safest cities in the country.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Waukesha No. 86 on its list of the 250 Best Places to Live in the United States for 2026–2027, and No. 2 among Wisconsin cities. This ranking evaluates communities across the country based on factors such as quality of life, affordability, desirability, and economic opportunity.

In a separate study, SmartAsset named Waukesha the 8th safest mid-size city in the nation and the safest mid-size city in Wisconsin in its 2026 analysis of America’s safest communities. The ranking considers metrics including crime rates, roadway safety, and natural disaster risk.

These recognitions from trusted third-party organizations underscore Waukesha’s continued focus on public safety, strong neighborhoods, and community well-being, making it an attractive destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

You can learn more about the rankings at:
· U.S. News & World Report Ranking: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live

· Smart Asset Safest Midsize Cities Ranking: America’s Safest Midsize Cities – https://smartasset.com/data-studies/americas-safest-midsize-cities-2026-study

06/05/2026

It's Friday Night Live season. 🎶

Friday Night Live, organized by the Waukesha Downtown Business Association starts tonight, Friday, June 5 and will take place every Friday night through August 28 (except for July 3).

🚧The Waukesha Police Department will be establishing a set, closed perimeter around the event.
🔹 No parking is allowed inside the Friday Night Live footprint from 5–10pm on event nights.
🔹 Vehicles parked on roads inside the event area will be towed.

Street parking and City parking lots outside of the footprint of the event are open for parking. You find downtown parking information here: https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/parking.php

06/04/2026

This week is National CPR and AED awareness week.

We’re proud to share that our police squads are equipped with AEDs. In a cardiac emergency, seconds matter. Having lifesaving equipment readily available allows our officers to provide immediate care while help is on the way.

06/03/2026

🚓🚒 Safety Days in the Park are back! 🎉

Join the Waukesha Police and Fire Departments for a morning of fun, learning, and community connection. Meet our local heroes, explore emergency vehicles, enjoy K-9 demonstrations, and participate in family-friendly activities!

🗓️ Mark your calendars:

June 25: Frame Park
July 22: Grandview Park
August 11: Bethesda Park

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with our community's finest and learn about safety in a fun environment. For more details, visit: Waukesha Safety Days in the Parks