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.
advertisement
The Winter Olympics just wrapped up in Vancouver, Canada, and who wasn’t touched by some of the inspirational stories there? Haven’t you dreamed about what it would be like to star in the Olympics yourself?Contest entry based on newspaper coverage area.
Calling all eco-friendly businesses
Deadline extended through March 12.
Lake Country and Mukwonago Publications are looking for local businesses that are doing their part to conserve resources and protect earth. Do you monitor your water use? Do you have a unique recycling program? Do you use renewable-resource building materials? Tell us about it.
Lake Country residents share their views on news, happenings and current events.
LivingLakeCountry.com features more than a dozen community bloggers - a group of volunteer conversation leaders who are up on the latest topics and never short on an opinion. Just a few are pictured here. Check out the rest and see what they have to say!
View All Blogs
Discussion Guidelines
Do you want to become a Community Blogger? LivingLakeCountry.com welcomes your thoughts and opinions. Contact us for more information:
I want to blog
If you're interested in finding out more about sponsoring a blog, click here to send an e-mail to LCP Sales.
MORE: See full gallery
SUBMIT: Post Your Photos now
Do you have news or an event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it!!
- Photos, Firetrucks and Fun in Delafield...All For A Great Cause.
- Break with Tradition this St. Patrick's Day Holiday With a Savory Corned Beef Soup
- 39th Annual Oconomowoc Rose Sale
- Italian Dinner: Saturday March 27th
- Hamilton Charger cheerleaders take 5th at national competition
- Accompany of Kids, Gala 2010 "Electricity!!"
- Painting a portrait of St. Patrick?
- Eagle Area Community Showcase and Breakfast
- Things That Go 'Vrooom' -- March 20
- Maple Avenue fifth-graders donate to Haiti relief
MORE: See the rest of Your Stories
SUBMIT: Post Your Story now
We asked - you answered - with 70 nominations for Lake Country's top healthcare professionals. See winners and their stories.
