The next RMMWA monthly meeting will be held June 9, 2022 at the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (290 Speer Boulevard in Denver) and we’ll also broadcast a live, interactive hybrid meeting via Zoom. Please join us in-person or via Zoom for a presentation by former Grand Rapids, Wisconsin police chief Dave Lewandowski.

The meeting at CADA will start at 6:15 p.m. (MT) with drinks and networking, and dinner will be served at 6:30. Zoom attendees may sign on shortly before 7:00 for the start of the program. See the full agenda below.

To register to attend in person, please use the link below.

Zoom attendance is free and there is no need to register. Members will receive the meeting link via email. Non-members, please send an email to chapterpres@rmmwa.org to request access.

Dinner menu:

• Sautéed chicken breast in apricot-ginger sauce
• Fragrant basmati rice
• Vegetable of the day
• Dinner rolls
• Selection of bite-sized deserts
• Beverages: Tea, coffee, and water included. Wine and beer are available for a suggested cash donation of $3.00 per drink.

Meeting Agenda:

• 6:15 Networking and drinks
• 6:30 Dinner
• 7:00 Introductions and Member News
• 7:30 Mystery Minute
• 7:40 Program

Meeting Program:

Behind the Badge—The Challenges of a Police Chief  

by Dave Lewandowski

What is a typical day like for a chief of police? Often, the average citizen doesn’t know about or understand what obstacles a chief of police faces running a department. From patrol on up the ranks, the chief deals with many challenges including working with other agencies in the state, county, and city and then of course, there’s the politicians.

Chiefs must also be aware of “code blue” and how that code could be affecting their department. Code blue can range from a young officer wanting acceptance by other officers in the department to a seasoned officer knowing if they don’t play by the rules and stick together, then they will be shunned.

Dave will discuss how he dealt with code blue in his department as the chief as well as other parts of the job. He’ll also talk about being a police chief in the town where he grew up. Dave quickly discovered everyone expected something, especially the politicians. Dave found his personal life being affected and that even a simple night out at a restaurant with his wife could turn into a question-and-answer interview.

Dave worked hard to make a difference in how people viewed his department. He often felt like it was three steps forward and two steps back. Through his work, Dave discovered the key to keeping everything in balance. It’s something most people wouldn’t think of…or would they? Join us to find out more about the life behind the badge.

Presenter Bio

Dave Lewandowski grew up in Wisconsin. After high school he entered the U.S. Army, where he was an Airborne Ranger and an MP. Upon leaving the military, he started a career in law enforcement that spanned 28 years. Dave worked as a patrol officer, shift commander, investigator, active shooter instructor, department liaison for the community and media, undercover drug investigator, major crime investigator, burglary investigator, suicide investigator, firearms instructor, and fatality crash investigator. He was involved with many community programs including Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Eventually, Dave had the opportunity to become the chief of police in the hometown where he grew up. He took on the job and faced many challenges. Despite the challenges, he rebuilt the department and worked to reconnect the department with the community including an open-door policy. Dave also started a K-9 program, police officer bike patrol, police auxiliary and a neighborhood watch. After 35 years in law enforcement, Dave decided to retire. Dave and his wife love the mountains and spending time with family.