Whitewater Announces New Chief of Police

Aaron Raap, New Whitewater Chief of Police

The Police and Fire Commission of the City of Whitewater has selected Aaron M. Raap for the position of Chief of Police.

Raap will replace Chief Lisa Otterbacher, who is retiring June 1st. Raap will plan to begin with Whitewater in early June

After weeks of conducting a national search, phone interviews, and Skype interviews, the decision was down to two candidates. Raap was selected along with finalist Michael J. Scott for a full day interview Thursday, March 1st. The day consisted of interviews with the Police and Fire Commission, City Staff, City Council and a meet and greet for media and citizens.

The Police and Fire Commission made the decision and announced Raap as the new leader of the police department Thursday night.

Raap most recently served as the Operations Manager in Security for Ascension Health in Southeastern Wisconsin but his experience as a law officer for over 26 years with the Milwaukee Police Department was a great attribute when making the decision to bring him to Whitewater.

“We are thrilled that Aaron Raap will be the next Chief of Police for the City of Whitewater,” Police and Fire Commission President, Glenn C. Hayes stated. “Throughout the entire process and pool of candidates from across the country, Aaron stood out. He has a remarkable of depth of experience in law enforcement, outstanding leadership skills, and a truly genuine demeanor.”

While in Milwaukee, Raap worked closely with four college campuses and understands the needs for a city with both citizens and students. “Aaron has worked and led in a wide variety of ethnic populations, businesses and neighborhood settings, including having universities within his district,” stated Hayes. “He is committed to unbiased and ethical policing. The feedback we received from those involved in the interview process and the meet and greet was overwhelmingly supportive of Aaron. We look forward to welcoming him.”

Raap holds both a bachelor’s degree in Administration and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marian University, Undergraduate studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and a degree from Northwestern University- School of Police Staff and Command and the Senior Management Leadership Program.

The Police and Fire Commission extend gratitude to the various constituencies involved with the success of the hiring process including the City of Whitewater staff and City Manager, Cameron Clapper, sworn and civilian personnel of the Whitewater Police Department, representatives of UW-Whitewater and the Whitewater Unified School District, Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath, Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell and City PR & Communications Manager, Kristin Mickelson.

“We also could not have handled this process at such a professional level, saving the City taxpayers at least $10,000 or more, without the masterful assistance of the City HR Coordinator, Judy Atkinson,” said Hayes.

Reminder: Chief of Police Candidate Meet and Greet, Thursday, March 1, 2018, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

A community “Meet and Greet” for the finalists will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Building on Thursday, March 1, 2018, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This Meet and Greet is open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend and extend a warm welcome to each candidate.

The Police and Fire Commission of the City of Whitewater has two finalists for the position of Chief of Police. The finalists are Michael J. Scott and Aaron M. Raap. The third candidate withdrew their name for personal reasons.

Candidate Michael Scott

Michael J. Scott currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Village of Round Lake Beach, IL. Michael lives in McHenry, IL and holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Governors State University in University Park, IL.; a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.; an Associate of Science degree from McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL.; a degree from Northwestern University-Center of Public Safety in Evanston, IL.; and he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Michael has over 26 years of law enforcement service.

 

 

Candidate Aaron Raap

Aaron M. Raap currently serves as the Operations Manager in Security for Ascension Health in Southeastern Wisconsin. Aaron lives in Milwaukee, WI and holds both a bachelor’s degree in Administration and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Quality from Marian University, Undergraduate studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and a degree from Northwestern University- School of Police Staff and Command and the Senior Management Leadership Program. Aaron has over 26 years of law enforcement service with the Milwaukee Police Department, his last position as Captain of Police.

 

Interviews with the two candidates will take place Thursday, March 1, 2018. A community “Meet and Greet” for the finalists will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Building from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This Meet and Greet is open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend and extend a warm welcome to each candidate.