MPD Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner retires after serving nearly 30 years on the force
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department is saying goodbye to one of their top leaders. Friday, April 17 is Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner's last day after serving for nearly three decades. She sat down with CBS 58's Amanda Porterfield to talk about the legacy she's leaving behind and what's in store for her next chapter.
Nicole Waldner
"When I moved back to Milwaukee, I told my mom I wanted to by a mayor," said Waldner. "Then I saw what mayors do and I was like, yeah, I don't want to do that --. I'll just be assistant chief.
Now, after 29 years it's onto a new chapter.
"I am so excited," said Waldner. "And I still get to be in the community."
After growing up on Milwaukee's north side and graduating from Riverside High School, Waldner's passion for the community is what led her to the Milwaukee Police Department and motivated her to keep rising through the ranks in her hometown.
Nicole Waldner
"It's so different being this level because you're responsible for so much more," she said.
Waldner says she's most proud of advocating for stronger mental health services within the department and raising three boys at the same time. But as we all know, the only constant is change.
"The one thing for being on for 29 years is that all your friends are gone. All the people you grew up with in the job are gone," Waldner said.
And there's still change she wants to see happen.
"Back in the day there wasn't the passion for community policing and doing this job right, but that tide has changed and I hope that there's recognition and that people want to be a part of it," said Waldner.
Waldner says she planned to retire a bit sooner but after tragedy hit in 2025, she stuck around.
"When [Milwaukee Police Department Officer Kendall] Corder was killed and I was acting chief that night...it makes you want to stay because you think well, I can't go now. Now we are all hurting, you can't leave people while they are hurting."
Waldner says she's taking a job in Milwaukee's private sector and plans to do fun things like hike the Ice Age Trail and visit every state park.
"I'm retiring because it's time. Over 29 years now it is time to go. Nothing is meant to be forever, and you’ve got to make room for the people who are still feeling creative. I am ready to focus on something else, and I want somebody else to step into my role and have different thoughts and different ideas in how to move the city forward," Waldner said.
Waldner's advice to other women who want to wear a badge is simple:
"Create your own narrative. If this is something you want to do there's a place for women here, they are needed. We are essential to policing."
Nicole Waldner, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson