Police Chief Michael Steffes to Retire After Decades of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 6, 2024
Jake King
Communications and Diversity Strategist
jking@cityofsunprairie.com
(608) 332-5397

Police Chief Michael Steffes to Retire After Decades of Service

After 30 years of dedicated service, Chief Michael Steffes of the Sun Prairie Police Department has announced his retirement, effective in January.

Chief Steffes has been an integral part of the Sun Prairie community, serving with dedication to building relationships and solving problems in the community. Steffes joined the Sun Prairie Police Department in December 2019 and guided the department through major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest. Under his leadership, additional achievements include the creation of a Police Chief’s Advisory Board, the prioritization of mental health through the hiring of a coordinated response specialist, and the implementation of the National Incident-Based Reporting System to enhance the quality of crime data collection.

Prior to taking the helm in Sun Prairie, Chief Steffes was a Deputy Administrator with the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement Services, the Police Chief in the City of Rhinelander for nine years, and with the City of Beaver Dam for 13 years as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and K9 handler.

“On behalf of the City of Sun Prairie, I want to thank Chief Steffes for his dedication to serving our community and his work in increasing transparency and community relations with law enforcement,” said Mayor Paul Esser.

“Chief Steffes has led the department through several challenges while remaining focused on the well-being of his staff,” said Aaron Oppenheimer, City Administrator. “He has been a dedicated advocate for mental health, and we are grateful for his many accomplishments during his tenure.”

"I am grateful for the confidence our community places in the Police Department, the dedication of our officers, dispatchers, and administrative staff, and the support from the Mayor and City Council," said Steffes. “It has been an honor to serve this community over the past five years and I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition and spending more time with my family.”

The date and time for the Chief’s retirement ceremony will be announced closer to his departure.

About City of Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane county, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 36,394 today.