Port police chief to leave next month for new job

Port Washington Police Chief Kevin Hingiss, who has led the department since 2012, announced on Monday that he is retiring on June 15.

Hingiss told the Police and Fire Commission Monday that after 42 years with the department he is leaving to take a job in the private sector.

“I’ve really enjoyed working for the City of Port Washington and the Police Department. I’m very proud of the department and the officers we have,” Hingiss said.

“We’re second to none in Ozaukee County and it’s all because of the people we have here and the support from the city, the Police and Fire Commission and the citizens. They’re supportive and willing to help us out and be part of the problem solving.”

Hingiss, who will leave the department before it moves into the new public safety center this summer, said many people have asked him about the timing.

“I just feel the time is right,” he said. “This other job offer wouldn’t be around forever.

“I just wish the building would have been built five years ago so I could have enjoyed it. I’m really happy and excited, especially for the younger officers who get to have it for most or all of their careers. It is quite the awesome building.”

Hingiss would not elaborate on his new job.

Commission chairman Jim Biever said he was shocked when Hingiss told him the news last week.

“You’ve got a lot to be proud of here,” Biever said. “You’ve seen a lot.

“What I appreciate the most about the chief is his ability to explain all sides of matters.”

In an interview, Biever noted that Hingiss brought an “easy going, steady management style” to the department and kept things moving smoothly during his tenure as chief.

Hingiss, who has been with the department since 1984, was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and named a lieutenant when the position was reclassified in 2007.

He was named chief in 2011, taking office on Jan. 1, 2012, succeeding former Chief Richard Thomas.

Thomas was appointed to head the department in 2005, succeeding longtime chief Ed Rudolph.

Hingiss, who grew up in Hales Corners, followed in the footsteps of his father, a retired police captain, in selecting his career.

“I saw what he did, and I liked the idea of not having to sit behind a desk all day, of being out and helping people,” Hingiss said at the time.

“It sounds cliche, but I truly enjoy doing that. When you’re in a smaller community, you get to experience that more.”

His tenure in the city was noted by commission member Sarah Burdette, who said, “I’ve grown up with you here. You’ve been such a pivotal part of the community.

“We remember you coming in with the DARE (drug abuse prevention) program when we were little kids.”

Mayor Ted Neitzke said he, too, remembers Hingiss from his youth.

“He was always very friendly, but I know he could be extremely firm when he needed to be.”

As chief, Hingiss did a good job leading the department as it transitioned from the 20th century to the 21st, he added.

“I appreciate the fact he maintained an outward-facing police department,” Neitzke said.

Biever said the commission will likely meet in the coming week or two to determine how to replace Hingiss.

“Time is of the essence,” he said. “I have some ideas I’d like to propose. At this point, I’m looking for ideas from Police and Fire Commission members and the city’s human resources department.”

It will be imperative to involve the community and the department officers in the process, Biever said.

“It’s basically a lifetime appointment, so you want to get it right,” he said.

Given that Hingiss is leaving office in a month, Biever said, it is likely that the commission will appoint an interim chief until a permanent replacement is found.

One likely candidate is Police Captain Craig Czarnecki, who has been with the department since 1991 and was promoted to captain by Hingiss in 2020, making him second in command.