WAUPUN — Waupun police officer Ted Sullivan was sworn in as Deputy Police Chief at the City Council meeting held last Tuesday.
The ceremony was held at the beginning of the meeting and was attended by several of his colleagues, friends, and family.
City Clerk Angie Hull had him recite the oath of office. Sullivan received two pins, which were placed on his collar by his wife and son.
Following the swearing in, he gave a short speech thanking those who supported him as an officer.
“Thank you everyone for coming tonight to attend the swearing in ceremony,” Sullivan said. “I’m truly humbled by your presence, and I’d like to take a moment to thank those of you who guided me to the opportunity to serve as your next deputy police chief for the City of Waupun.”
“To the city administrator, city clerk, treasurer, Police and Fire commission, City Council, my co-workers at the police department, and the citizens of this community, thank you so much for your unwavering support and confidence in me. I would not have been in this position without each of you having a part in this journey.”
“To my wife Jessica, my sons Brennan and Ashton, thank you for always being there for me. For listening and understanding the challenges of a career where at a moment’s notice I could be called in with no idea of whether I would return home. I love you and without you, none of this would be possible.”
Ted Sullivan served on the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department for 21 years before transferring to the Waupun Police Department 4 years ago.
“In my interview, I stated that I felt that I was coming home to serve the community that had helped raise me and my family. Today, I feel an even deeper conviction that I made the correct decision to leave the sheriff’s office to come home. I’ve had many lifelong friendships with those of whom I’ve lived and worked over my 27 plus year career. And each of you helped shape the person I am today.”
Sullivan also credited his mentor, former Chief Robert Kinschu, who was a neighbor of his when he grew up in Waupun, as his inspiration for becoming a police officer for the community.
“Chief Rasch and I have big plans for the Waupun Police Department and realized positive change is a team effort,” he said. “We’re in a new era of law enforcement and we’ll have to learn to adapt to this ever-changing work environment. I’m confident in our current staff of dedicated officers and I know that we can do great things together. I will hold myself accountable to all of you and promise to do what I can to continue to make this a great community in which to live and work for all of us. Thank you all.”
Cake was served following the ceremony with a short social half hour before the meeting continued.
