Altoona Police Chief sworn in as President of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association

Friday, February 14, 2025
WEAU Staff

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) - Altoona police say Chief Kelly Bakken was sworn in as President of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association this week.

This not only makes her the 118th president of the associated that represents more than 700 law enforcement executives, but she is also the second woman to hold that position. Chief Bakken said the first was from UW-Madison Police Department in the early 2000′s. The association has been around since 1907.

"I'm incredibly honored to be the president of the association and be able to help chiefs across the state," said Chief Bakken. "Only the second female in history, I hope there's more to come. We're short on females in law enforcement in general. It's even smaller a percentage in executive positions."

Having worked with great leaders and being mentored by them is what Chief Bakken is grateful for and said will help as she takes on the responsibilities that come with being president of the association. Her team at the Altoona Police Department and the City of Altoona are also who she thanks for her success.

"Altoona is a fantastic place to work. I work with some great people. It's because of them I'm able to do this. If it wasn't for the city being as great as it is, in supporting me, city staff supporting me and having a wonderful team at the Altoona Police Department I wouldn't be able to do this."

Chief Bakken said she looks to work with the association to lobby for more mental health resources.

According to Altoona police, Chief Bakken was also named CVMIC CORE CEO OF THE YEAR by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group.

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