Back-to-back Friday Podcasts! This episode has DC Baeten joined by Lt. Luis Lopes-Serrao and city videographer, Ethan Bares, to talk about the department's use of social media and video content to connect with the community. We discussed the evolution of Wausau PD's social media presence, why we expend effort in reaching others through social media, and how original video content became a game-changer for us. We also shared some thoughts & suggestions on how other law enforcement agencies might further leverage this well-established means of connecting with their respective communities.

Finally, as Ethan prepares to exit his current role as the city Community Communication Specialist (i.e., videographer) - he is joining our department in several weeks as a sworn officer - he shared his thoughts on the value of the videographer role and the opportunities it presents.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in becoming the next Community Communication Specialist, submit an application online by June 12th, 2025: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wausauwi

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

Happy Podcast Friday!

Reflecting on a career spanning 28 years, retired patrol officer & K9 handler, Mark Kurtzhals, came back to talk about lessons learned and advice he'd share with others. We also found out what a police K9 does in retirement. *Teaser - it seems to involve a lot of sleeping.*

Officer Kurtzhals retired from law enforcement in May of last year, but his impact will remain for a long time.

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

It may not be Friday, but here is a special podcast episode with Chief Barnes and Community Outreach Specialist Tracy Durante. There is some exigency in getting this episode’s message out there because WE NEED YOUR HELP! Homelessness is a challenge that individuals & families across this country (and world) are facing with increasing frequency. You would be hard-pressed to find a community that isn’t struggling to find effective ways to provide programs and shelter for its unhoused citizens.

In this podcast episode, Chief Barnes and Tracy Rieger detail an upcoming shelter provider gap in Wausau starting May 1st. As an interim solution, the Wausau Police Department will be overseeing the opening of the ‘Wausau Marathon County (WMC) Shelter.’

How can you help?

There is an urgent need for us to hire a number of folks to fill temporary positions (~ 8 months) to staff this shelter, along with securing invaluable volunteer assistance. These paid & volunteer opportunities will make an impact on others in an immediate and fulfilling way. Learn more about the WMC Shelter in this 20th episode of the Wausau PD Podcast!

To apply online for any of the temporary shelter positions, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wausauwi/

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.