Slinger, WI – Slinger’s new Police Chief, Kyle Arendt, is eager to bring his leadership experience and a deep connection to the community back to the area where he was raised.
After spending nearly 18 years with the Fox Point Police Department, where he rose to the rank of sergeant, Arendt found the opportunity to serve in his hometown too compelling to pass up.
“Ultimately, the allure of being closer to home and serving the community that raised me was the deciding factor,” Arendt said. “I’ve always stayed connected to this area, and when the position opened, I knew it was the right time.”
In Fox Point, Arendt honed his skills in law enforcement leadership and management, overseeing a small team but gaining significant experience in policing practices.
“Fox Point is a smaller community, similar in size to Slinger, but with a very different policing environment being in Milwaukee County. The leadership experience and knowledge I gained there, I believe, will translate well here,” he said.
Arendt’s decision to apply for the position wasn’t about seeking a career change, but about returning home to contribute in a more personal way.
“I was in a really good position, but the sense of home and the opportunity to serve the people of Slinger was something I couldn’t ignore,” he said.
Having taken over the role officially on December 9, Arendt has already started working closely with outgoing Chief Dean Schmidt, shadowing him to learn from his experience.
Arendt said the thing he appreciated the most was the welcoming nature of both the community and the department, highlighting the importance of being accessible and approachable.
“One of the things that really surprised me was how open and friendly everyone has been. The sense of community is very strong here, and it’s something I’m excited to be a part of,” Arendt said.
With a background in community engagement, Arendt plans to continue building the department’s presence within Slinger, expanding programs such as bicycle patrols that can further enhance the department’s ability to connect with residents.
“I see the value in a bicycle patrol program. It helps officers engage with the public in a more approachable way, and it also gives us the chance to navigate areas that we wouldn’t normally reach in a squad car,” he said. “It’s about accessibility and building rapport with the community.”
Arendt also mentioned his passion for enforcing OWIs, a critical issue in both urban and rural areas. “I’m a strong advocate for keeping our streets safe, particularly from impaired driving. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medications, or drugs, we need to make sure the roads are safe for everyone,” he said.
Another area Arendt is focused on is the mental health aspect of policing. “As a young officer, mental health wasn’t something we talked about, but today there are more resources available to both the community and officers. It’s important we support everyone involved—whether it’s the residents we serve or the officers who work hard every day,” he said.
Looking ahead, Arendt is focused on maintaining the strong community values Slinger already embodies while introducing some innovative programs and strategies.
“My goal isn’t to come in and drastically change things. Chief Schmidt did a wonderful job, and I want to continue on that path. But there are opportunities for growth, like expanding our community engagement and starting new programs that can bring us closer to the people we serve,” he said.
Arendt’s background, values, and passion for community-focused policing make him an excellent fit for Slinger, and his leadership promises to continue the department’s legacy of dedication to public service.
“This is a really good fit for me,” he said. “It’s home, and I’m excited to contribute to a community that has given so much to me.”
As Arendt settles into his new role, he will continue to build relationships within Slinger, including meeting with school administrators to enhance safety measures and communication between the police and local schools.
His vision for the future reflects his commitment to both the safety and well-being of the community, reinforcing the trust and transparency that have long been the hallmark of Slinger’s police force.
Arendt will be officially sworn in as chief on January 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Village Hall.
December 9, 2024 – Slinger, Wi – Slinger has hired a new Police Chief to take over following the upcoming retirement of Chief Dean Schmidt.
The incoming chief is Kyle Arendt. He’s a graduate of Slinger High School and currently works as a supervisor at the Fox Point Police Department.
There were 12 people who applied for the chief’s position in Slinger and five were interviewed.
Arendt spent 17 years at the Fox Point PD and nine years as supervisor. He will start in Slinger December 9, 2024, and there will be a little overlap as Schmidt’s last day will be January 3, 2025.
Schmidt was hired as chief in 2003; he took over after Steve Braun retired from the post.
Schmidt isn’t the only chief retiring in Washington County as Chief Mike Snow is also stepping down in Germantown, WI.
At the November 21, 2024, public safety committee meeting, Snow thanked the committee for its support and indicated there were “several strong internal candidates to replace him.” Snows started as chief in 2020 succeeding Chief Pete Hoell.
Snow’s last day is January 6, 2025.
A search is underway for his replacement.
This is a working story, and more details will be posted when information is available.
