After a career spanning more than three decades with the Oconto Police Department, Chief Michael Rehberg retired Jan. 31, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Oconto Police Department)
OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After a career spanning more than three decades with the Oconto Police Department, Chief Michael Rehberg bid his final farewell Wednesday.
Rehberg, who began working with the OPD in 1990, was officially declared retired at 3:31 p.m. after an emotional send-off.
From inside his squad car, Rehberg made his last radio call — thanking his family, friends, fellow officers and law enforcement co-workers, and the Oconto community.
“To the citizens of Oconto, it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you these last 34 years,” Rehberg said. He went on to add, “To the past and present members of the Oconto Police Department, I have worked with some of the most dedicated, compassionate, intelligent people a department could ever hope for. You are my second family and I will miss you each.”
Rehberg’s daughter, Abby, then read a statement over the radio, with her father listening in.
On behalf of the Oconto Police Department and the community you have protected, we thank you for your service and dedication to duty. We would like to thank you for your words of wisdom and support in the toughest of times. This job has brought us unavoidable challenges, unexpected setbacks and heartbreak. We were lucky to be able to lean on you through it all. Thank you for the laughter, the jokes and the positivity you brought to the city and its people. This department will continue to follow in your footsteps while we remember to support and take care of one another… Your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here.
Captain Kassie Dufek has been named interim Chief Dufek, while Officer Dave Pusick is interim Captain Pusick.
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