Poltrock plans to leave at year’s end

By Angie Landsverk

Weyauwega Police Chief Gerald Poltrock has announced his plan to retire from the department after more than 25 years of working in law enforcement.

“Time to pass the torch. I’ve done what I’ve needed to do,” he told the Waupaca County Post.

Poltrock’s retirement is effective on Dec. 31.

Mayor Jack Spierings announced it during Weyauwega’s Monday, March 15 common council meeting.

Poltrock submitted his letter to the mayor about his plan to resign at the end of the year and retire.

“Congratulations, Jerry. Good job,” Spierings said after reading Poltrock’s letter to the council and others in attendance.

In the letter, Poltrock described working for the city as a privilege.

During that time, he came to know thousands of people, he said.

Poltrock is grateful for the opportunity he had to serve as police chief.

The Kenosha native became Weyauwega’s police chief on Jan. 1, 2013.

He joined the department in 1995, when he was hired as the school liaison officer.

That was followed by promotions to corporal, sergeant and then chief.

Prior to being hired by the city of Weyauwega, Poltrock worked for the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol.

He was working at Tomorrow’s Children, outside of Waupaca, when he began considering a career change from education to law enforcement.

Poltrock graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1990, with a degree in history and education.

He began working at Tomorrow’s Children after college.

A number of Poltrock’s family members worked in public service, either as members of fire or police departments.

After working at Tomorrow’s Children for a few years, Poltrock had the opportunity to attend Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Police Academy.

It was during his training that he realized he wanted a career helping people.

The 10-week certification was followed by Poltrock working for the water patrol before joining the Weyauwega Police Department.