| Tributes |
We all have people who have had a positive influence on our lives in law enforcement. It may be a parent or relative, partner or supervisor. Someone
who mentored us and got us through this job. This page is dedicated to those people.
who mentored us and got us through this job. This page is dedicated to those people.
Sgt. Dennis Kranz
Since I started this site I get to make the first tribute. Without a doubt it would be my father. It started as a small kid looking at all the cool stuff my dad
put on when he went to work. The badge, the belt full of all kinds of gadgets, and finally, hidden on the top shelf of the closet, his gun. He carried it
everywhere because at the time he was required to. His stories were cool and the pride he had was even cooler. Being a part of something bigger
then him. Helping the helpless, defending the defenseless. The tone he had when he told people what he did for a living. How sweet was career day
at school when my dad was there. Your dad is a banker, garbage man, or a doctor. Yawn...mines a cop! I think I realized early on that is what I
wanted to do, but he wanted better for me and knew what the job was really about. I wasn't there when he found two of his officers lying in the street
dying outside of their wagon. The pain and suffering he witnessed. The hatred directed toward him for no reason. But I still followed his path and do
not regret a single day of it. Thanks for showing me the way.
put on when he went to work. The badge, the belt full of all kinds of gadgets, and finally, hidden on the top shelf of the closet, his gun. He carried it
everywhere because at the time he was required to. His stories were cool and the pride he had was even cooler. Being a part of something bigger
then him. Helping the helpless, defending the defenseless. The tone he had when he told people what he did for a living. How sweet was career day
at school when my dad was there. Your dad is a banker, garbage man, or a doctor. Yawn...mines a cop! I think I realized early on that is what I
wanted to do, but he wanted better for me and knew what the job was really about. I wasn't there when he found two of his officers lying in the street
dying outside of their wagon. The pain and suffering he witnessed. The hatred directed toward him for no reason. But I still followed his path and do
not regret a single day of it. Thanks for showing me the way.
April 30th 1965 Graduation day. Recruit class picture and police mugshot.
The proud rookie in his fresh new uniform. Pictures from
the front room of home.
the front room of home.
My Mom's four Uncles who got my Father interested in being a cop.
| Patrolman Earl Tietyen |
Patrolman Glenroy Tietyen
| Patrolman Hilbert Tietyen |
| Patrolman Harvey Tietyen |
1967 Dad gets to stop home for a brief rest
after working 4 days straight in the riots.
After the initial deployment he worked 12
hours on 12 hours off.
after working 4 days straight in the riots.
After the initial deployment he worked 12
hours on 12 hours off.
A couple of awards ceremonies with Chief Harold Brier.
1972 Promoted to Sergeant.
I guess my career path was determined early on in life.
Late 1980's picture in the backyard by his unmarked.
1993 One last portrait nearing the end of his career.
Det. Lt. Andrew Anewenter
More than 50 years after saving his partner's life, 86-year-old police Lt. Andrew Anewenter is still on the job and he still gets
teary-eyed when recalling that day. Anewenter said he and his partner were taking two "desperadoes" to the station, when one
grabbed the other officer's gun, put it to his stomach and told them they both were going to die. Anewenter shot the gunman
once in the head, killing him. His partner was not injured.
"My partner was so grateful that for six months after that he picked me up at my home for work," Anewenter said of Norman
Duemling, who died in 1957.
Anewenter is one of the oldest active police officers in the country and recently celebrated his 60th year at the Milwaukee Police
Department. The great-grandfather holds the record for longest service in the department and has no immediate plans to retire.
"I stuck around because I like the profession and the people I work with," he said recently, neatly clad in a navy sport coat and
red tie. "I don't consider myself an old man. I fit in with the so-called youth of the profession," Anewenter said, adding that he
does the same work as some other officers.
Anewenter started with the department June 1, 1942 when the current chief was only 3 years old after going to chiropractic
school and trying his hand at sales. "Andy," as many call him, has worked every shift, walked the beat, patrolled the city and
investigated murders, assaults, thefts, counterfeiting, drugs and a plane crash. He's also done security for celebrities, including
Elvis Presley, presidents and foreign dignitaries.
Anewenter, a slim man with a mustache and an almost bald head, still works nine hours a day and is in his 10th year as one of
the heads of the property crimes division. He has been a supervisor for 53 years. He may have problems remembering the
exact year of some events, but he recalls the names of those he worked with 50 years ago and details of decades-old busts.
He tells of shooting out street lights in the 1960s to protect officers from criminals shooting at them, and witnessing three
officers die.
"A few things have changed along the way, like technology, but not the criminal mind," Anewenter said. "Crime doesn't change.
Crime is crime. A thief is a thief. A robber is a robber," he said. "The only thing today is they are more dangerous," he added.
He has worked under seven police chiefs and six mayors.
teary-eyed when recalling that day. Anewenter said he and his partner were taking two "desperadoes" to the station, when one
grabbed the other officer's gun, put it to his stomach and told them they both were going to die. Anewenter shot the gunman
once in the head, killing him. His partner was not injured.
"My partner was so grateful that for six months after that he picked me up at my home for work," Anewenter said of Norman
Duemling, who died in 1957.
Anewenter is one of the oldest active police officers in the country and recently celebrated his 60th year at the Milwaukee Police
Department. The great-grandfather holds the record for longest service in the department and has no immediate plans to retire.
"I stuck around because I like the profession and the people I work with," he said recently, neatly clad in a navy sport coat and
red tie. "I don't consider myself an old man. I fit in with the so-called youth of the profession," Anewenter said, adding that he
does the same work as some other officers.
Anewenter started with the department June 1, 1942 when the current chief was only 3 years old after going to chiropractic
school and trying his hand at sales. "Andy," as many call him, has worked every shift, walked the beat, patrolled the city and
investigated murders, assaults, thefts, counterfeiting, drugs and a plane crash. He's also done security for celebrities, including
Elvis Presley, presidents and foreign dignitaries.
Anewenter, a slim man with a mustache and an almost bald head, still works nine hours a day and is in his 10th year as one of
the heads of the property crimes division. He has been a supervisor for 53 years. He may have problems remembering the
exact year of some events, but he recalls the names of those he worked with 50 years ago and details of decades-old busts.
He tells of shooting out street lights in the 1960s to protect officers from criminals shooting at them, and witnessing three
officers die.
"A few things have changed along the way, like technology, but not the criminal mind," Anewenter said. "Crime doesn't change.
Crime is crime. A thief is a thief. A robber is a robber," he said. "The only thing today is they are more dangerous," he added.
He has worked under seven police chiefs and six mayors.
1948 Det. Gerald Bogart and Det. Andrew Anewenter interview the victim
of a child abduction in the garage she was found abandon and buried
under rubble.
of a child abduction in the garage she was found abandon and buried
under rubble.
Det. Lt. Andrew Anewenter was the oldest and longest serving member of the Milwaukee Police Department. Serving 60 years and unit 87
Det. Lt. Anewenter was a fixture on the Department. He is even recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest active officer
and President George W. Bush thanked him for his service. "Andy" passed less then six month after his retirement in 2003. Below is a story
published by the Associated Press August 4, 2002.
Det. Lt. Anewenter was a fixture on the Department. He is even recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest active officer
and President George W. Bush thanked him for his service. "Andy" passed less then six month after his retirement in 2003. Below is a story
published by the Associated Press August 4, 2002.
Andrew Anewenter's Department mug shots as a Patrolman then later after
his promotion to Detective.
his promotion to Detective.
| Ptlm. Jerome "Jerry" Dudzik |
Alderman Joe Dudzik submits the next Tribute to his father, Jerry Dudzik. The following article was published in the Milwaukee Badge and really
puts in prespective what a pioneer and leader he was in securing strong representation for the officers of the Milwaukee Police Department. His
impact on the Department is still felt today.
Jerome “Jerry” Dudzik
March 1, 1927 to June 13, 2010
By William Ward
Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) past President Jerry Dudzik passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2010.
The Milwaukee Police Department changed rapidly after World War II with the recruiting of returning veterans to law enforcement. One of those
returning veterans was Jerome “Jerry” Dudzik, who tried other employment upon his return, but decided to become a Milwaukee police officer. Jerry
started with the MPD on July 2 1951 and was assigned to District 2 as a rookie. He loved law enforcement and became active in the Professional
Policeman’s Protective Association (PPPA). The PPPA changed its name to the Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) on January 1, 1977.
Never one to mince words, Jerry Dudzik soon became leader of the PPA. During his time, the Association was undergoing changes and growing
pains. The size of the police force grew and the responsibilities of law enforcement became greater.
Soon Jerry was in the forefront as a PPA leader during the turbulent times. The riots of 1967 changed the MPD. Jerry was appointed MPA Trustee
on June 3, 1967 – just days before the civil disturbances began. He went on to serve as President, Secretary-Treasurer and the second full-time
police liaison officer.
Facing a long-time established mayor and an entrenched police chief who wanted no change, the task ahead for Jerry and the other leaders of
the PPA was daunting. Jerry Dudzik was up to the challenges as he and other trustees wielded the PPPA into a strong forward-looking organization
that took on issue after issue.
They had to change the PPPA by moving officers out of the safety building to 1012 North 3rd Street. Soon they hired the first secretary-
bookkeeper. Prior to this time, if the president wanted to pay a bill he had to have the secretary-treasurer come down with the checkbook.
The labor laws in the State of Wisconsin were changing and collective bargaining was the norm for most public employees, but not for police
officers. Jerry and other trustees lobbied hard in Madison to go from “collective begging” to full labor rights. First, getting non-binding fact finding and
then full bargaining rights. The City of Milwaukee still delayed the process, so the Board of trustees lobbied for the enactment of the police binding
arbitration law. A grievance procedure was added to the contract.
For many years, officers worked roll call time for free. A Milwaukee Badge article from 1970 indicated the City of Milwaukee labor negotiator
wanted to go back to the old days. He stated “for years you did it (roll call) for nothing” and demanded it be eliminated. While Jerry Dudzik was
President, he led the PPPA through some of the toughest contract bargaining. There was a “blue flu” and a picketing at city hall.
The police wives group was formed by Jerry’s wife, Rose, and other ladies to help the officers gain and keep the hard won benefits.
A giant among police labor executives in America, he worked tirelessly for his members. He backed down from no one.
Robert Kliesmet and Jerry Dudzik alternated the positions of President and Secretary-Treasurer for many years. Reporters would call Jerry after
getting a statement from Kliesmet and get the same answer to their questions. They never could figure out how they always gave the same answer.
In the early days, their desks were back to back and they always knew what the other had said.
Jerry was foot patrol officer at District 2 and was assigned the area around South 6th Street and West National Avenue. One of his favorite
restaurants was Conejito’s Place located at 539 West Virginia Street, where Jerry would bring his friends. He would consume a large amount of
Conejito’s hot sauce and unsuspecting friends, thinking the hot sauce was mild, soon learned too late that it was hot, hot, hot!
Jerry Dudzik retired on November 1, 1979 and was recognized at the MPA 100th Anniversary Celebration held during October of 2009. As one of
the MPA leaders during its first 100 years (1909-2009) Jerry was pleased to take part with the new leaders who will guide the MPA for the next 100
years.
He is survived by his wife, Rose, daughter Julie, and sons Mark, Tom, Joe and John.
Every officer – past, present and future – has been impacted by Jerome “Jerry” Dudzik.
Rest in peace for a job well done.
puts in prespective what a pioneer and leader he was in securing strong representation for the officers of the Milwaukee Police Department. His
impact on the Department is still felt today.
Jerome “Jerry” Dudzik
March 1, 1927 to June 13, 2010
By William Ward
Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) past President Jerry Dudzik passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2010.
The Milwaukee Police Department changed rapidly after World War II with the recruiting of returning veterans to law enforcement. One of those
returning veterans was Jerome “Jerry” Dudzik, who tried other employment upon his return, but decided to become a Milwaukee police officer. Jerry
started with the MPD on July 2 1951 and was assigned to District 2 as a rookie. He loved law enforcement and became active in the Professional
Policeman’s Protective Association (PPPA). The PPPA changed its name to the Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) on January 1, 1977.
Never one to mince words, Jerry Dudzik soon became leader of the PPA. During his time, the Association was undergoing changes and growing
pains. The size of the police force grew and the responsibilities of law enforcement became greater.
Soon Jerry was in the forefront as a PPA leader during the turbulent times. The riots of 1967 changed the MPD. Jerry was appointed MPA Trustee
on June 3, 1967 – just days before the civil disturbances began. He went on to serve as President, Secretary-Treasurer and the second full-time
police liaison officer.
Facing a long-time established mayor and an entrenched police chief who wanted no change, the task ahead for Jerry and the other leaders of
the PPA was daunting. Jerry Dudzik was up to the challenges as he and other trustees wielded the PPPA into a strong forward-looking organization
that took on issue after issue.
They had to change the PPPA by moving officers out of the safety building to 1012 North 3rd Street. Soon they hired the first secretary-
bookkeeper. Prior to this time, if the president wanted to pay a bill he had to have the secretary-treasurer come down with the checkbook.
The labor laws in the State of Wisconsin were changing and collective bargaining was the norm for most public employees, but not for police
officers. Jerry and other trustees lobbied hard in Madison to go from “collective begging” to full labor rights. First, getting non-binding fact finding and
then full bargaining rights. The City of Milwaukee still delayed the process, so the Board of trustees lobbied for the enactment of the police binding
arbitration law. A grievance procedure was added to the contract.
For many years, officers worked roll call time for free. A Milwaukee Badge article from 1970 indicated the City of Milwaukee labor negotiator
wanted to go back to the old days. He stated “for years you did it (roll call) for nothing” and demanded it be eliminated. While Jerry Dudzik was
President, he led the PPPA through some of the toughest contract bargaining. There was a “blue flu” and a picketing at city hall.
The police wives group was formed by Jerry’s wife, Rose, and other ladies to help the officers gain and keep the hard won benefits.
A giant among police labor executives in America, he worked tirelessly for his members. He backed down from no one.
Robert Kliesmet and Jerry Dudzik alternated the positions of President and Secretary-Treasurer for many years. Reporters would call Jerry after
getting a statement from Kliesmet and get the same answer to their questions. They never could figure out how they always gave the same answer.
In the early days, their desks were back to back and they always knew what the other had said.
Jerry was foot patrol officer at District 2 and was assigned the area around South 6th Street and West National Avenue. One of his favorite
restaurants was Conejito’s Place located at 539 West Virginia Street, where Jerry would bring his friends. He would consume a large amount of
Conejito’s hot sauce and unsuspecting friends, thinking the hot sauce was mild, soon learned too late that it was hot, hot, hot!
Jerry Dudzik retired on November 1, 1979 and was recognized at the MPA 100th Anniversary Celebration held during October of 2009. As one of
the MPA leaders during its first 100 years (1909-2009) Jerry was pleased to take part with the new leaders who will guide the MPA for the next 100
years.
He is survived by his wife, Rose, daughter Julie, and sons Mark, Tom, Joe and John.
Every officer – past, present and future – has been impacted by Jerome “Jerry” Dudzik.
Rest in peace for a job well done.
Jerry's 1951 recruit graduation picture.
A photo of Ptlm. Jerome "Jerry" Dudzik from his early
days walking the beat at District 2.
days walking the beat at District 2.
Jerry and Robert Kliesmet sign off on yet another hard fought contract in
the early 1970's.
the early 1970's.
One of Jerry's favorite pictures taken while working with the Jerry
Lewis Telethon.
Lewis Telethon.
As his career began to wind down, Jerry still wore
his uniform with pride.
his uniform with pride.