It’s official, you will see a new face on patrol the next time you are on Washington Island. On Monday, June 30th, the Washington Island Police Department swore in Officer Ulises Ponce, a hiring that marks two rather commendable milestones.
A roomful of members from the community, including staff from local EMS and the Door County Sheriff's office, gathered in the gym at the Community Center for the ceremony. Officer Ponce was sworn in by town clerk and treasurer Alexandria McDonald and his wife proudly pinned his badge. He thanked everyone for their support and said he is looking forward to his new role.
“I think it’s going to be a really good opportunity for me and everybody has been so welcoming,” said new Police Officer Ulises Ponce, “it’s a very good community here and I’m very excited to start and I’ll help out as much as I can.”
Police Chief Gary Schultz is also enthusiastic about bringing a new officer on board. Schultz recently stepped into his role as Police Chief in early June following the retirement of former Chief Tyler McGrane, who dedicated 26 years to the Washington Island Police Department.
“I'm really excited, I have been the only officer for the last month; this will be a welcome change,” added Schultz, “after sixteen years, he will be the first new Police officer here on Washington Island.”
Ponce will also be the first Spanish-speaking officer to work on the island, a skill that Schultz has said would be very valuable, especially for tourists coming to the area.
