Bartel replaces Finger at schools
By Bert Lehman
The Clintonville Public School District has a new school resource officer.
Bartel has been with the Clintonville Police Department for the past seven years.
He was originally hired as a part-time officer in 2014, and moved to full-time status two years later.
“Since then, I have been very busy tackling new challenges and being apart of many investigations,” Bartel said in a press release.
“I have helped save numerous lives, most notably earning a life-saving award in 2016 for assisting in removing a person from a burning building and reviving them, as well as being involved in numerous other life-saving efforts.
“Prior to accepting the SRO position, I was heavily involved in drug investigations, removing large amounts of drugs from the community. Aside from the SRO position I will continue to expand my career being an instructor in the department and implementing an officer wellness program in the near future.”
Bartel grew up between Weyauwega and Manawa on a family dairy farm. He attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School. He later received an associated degree from FVTC, and secured a job with the Clintonville Police Department shortly after that.
According to the press release, Bartel is married. He and his wife have a daughter and another child on the way.
“My daughter is a music lover, we listen to vinyl records nearly every day,” Bartel said in the press release. “She would tell you her favorite bands are Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and she will always go crazy for some AC/DC.
“Our entire family is baseball fans, regularly watching Brewer games and attending several throughout the year. I still have a love for farming and own a few antique tractors. I also love grilling and baking especially making cookies with my daughter.
“Some high school parents may recognize me as I am an assistant coach for the high school baseball program, and intend to continue with that role.”
Bartel will be replacing Officer Dennis Finger, who had served as the SRO.
“I know with taking over the SRO position I have big shoes to fill,” Bartel said. “But I intend to provide the same level of service that was given by Officer Finger, as well as implement some new programs with the students to help with issues that today’s youth struggle with.
“I know being the big man with the big beard I can be intimidating to some that don’t know me but I encourage everyone to stop in and talk, whether it’s about policing, schooling, baseball, or how I get my beef jerky to be so delicious every time. I will not just be an Officer but a resource for everyone in the school district. Let’s have a great school year.”
Bartel was introduced to the Clintonville School Board at its July 12 meeting.
Superintendent Troy Kuhn told the board that during an interview with Bartel they discussed how Bartel would be visible at school events.
Bartel was also told how the district would like him to be visible on school grounds before school.
Kuhn said that Bartel was also told to not be afraid to have new initiatives and ideas.
“There’s going to be a lot of learning for me coming up,” Bartel told the board. “I’m going to appreciate everybody’s input on kind of what they are expecting out of this. Like we talked, I’m not going to be Officer Finger, I’m going to be Officer Bartel. I’m going to implement it the ways I see best, but I think it’s still going to be beneficial for everybody involved.”