Winchowky, Pileggi honored with awards
Village of Mukwonago – James Paar of the Mukwonago VFW said he's been trying to honor Village of Mukwonago Police Chief Fred Winchowky with a law enforcement award for years. It took him four years, but Paar finally presented Winchowky with an award last week.
"He kept telling me that he did not deserve an award, but that his people did," said Paar at the VFW's awards banquet March 30 at the Cotton Exchange in Waterford. "That's just the kind of person he is. I was finally able to convince him that this award was designed for police chiefs and not for his officers."
This year, Winchowky was selected to represent the entire State of Wisconsin and received the Law Enforcement Gold Medal Award, along with a trophy presented by the Mukwonago VFW.
Winchowky was first appointed police chief for the village in October 1999. He has served on the department since 1972. Since his appointment, Winchowky has emphasized crime prevention and traffic safety, working with neighboring departments to improve the overall safety of the community. He implemented the school resource officer program, the bicycle program, the child safety seat training program, the neighbor watch program and the 9-1-1 emergency control center.
Winchowky also served with the U.S. Army Military Police as a noncommissioned officer. He was the vice president and president of the Waukesha County Chiefs of Police Association and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He has attended numerous FBI courses on leadership, armed robbery investigation and crime prevention.
"When people ask me about Mukwonago," said Winchowky, "I tell them the Police Department can't do it alone. It depends on the help and support of the community, especially the veterans, who realize that freedom isn't free."
In line with the modesty Paar described, Winchowky added, "I am humbled by this. There are more deserving people than myself."
Police Officer of the Year
Every year, the VFW recognizes Village of Mukwonago police officers for distinguished service to their community. This year's award was given to Sgt. Ken Pileggi, who has been with the department since 1984.
Promoted to patrolman in 1986, Pileggi earned the rank of patrol sergeant in 1999. He was recently appointed to the advisory committee for patrol procedures with the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board, which oversees all training standards for the state of Wisconsin.
Pileggi teaches recruits and in-service training at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee and is a certified instructor for emergency vehicle operations. In 2008, he won the Directors Award for Transportation Safety in the State of Wisconsin.
"I'm humbled that Chief Winchowky nominated me," wrote Pileggi. "I am profoundly proud to be one of the protectors in the community.
Jim Paar contributed to this article.
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