Fond du Lac, WI: The City of Fond du Lac Police Department will soon be saying a heartfelt good-bye to a very special member of its leadership team. After 30 years of dedication and service to the City of Fond du Lac Police Department, Assistant Chief of Police Steve Klein is retiring on March 31, 2023. Assistant Chief Klein began his career with FDLPD in 1993 as a Police Officer. Through the course of his career he was promoted up through the Department, holding the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief of Police. In 1995 Assistant Chief Klein approached former Chief Dan Bord with research and a plan on implementing a K-9 program at FDLPD. AC Klein was instrumental in rallying the community together for assistance in building the K-9 program and in May 1995 AC Klein became the department’s first K-9 Officer with his partner K-9 ZEIKO. To date AC Klein has maintained leadership with the K-9 program overseeing K-9 operations and budget. After his first promotion in 2001 to the rank of Sergeant, he was assigned to the Patrol Division as a supervisor. He remained assigned to the Patrol Division following his 2004 promotion to Lieutenant. In 2006 he was assigned as an Administrative Lieutenant before rising in the ranks again to the rank of Captain in 2008. From 2008 – 2013 he spent time in both the Patrol Division and Support Services Division as a Captain. In 2013 he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police/ Operations. In this capacity, AC Klein was responsible for command and management of the department’s Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and specialty teams/units. Some of the primary duties included permit and alcohol licensing reviews/approvals, special events planning, media inquiries, and oversight of the K-9 program, SWAT, Tactical Field Force, Honor Guard Unit, Robot/Drone Unit, Auxiliary Police Volunteer Unit, and the Police Explorer’s Post #9647. Through the course of his career AC Klein also was an Adjunct Professor at Marian University and a K-9 Instructor. He also served on numerous Boards to include The ARC of Fond du Lac, Boys and Girls Club, Free Spirit Riders, and the YMCA. AC Klein graduated from the prestigious University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, as well as the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations training program. On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the Fond du Lac City Council will officially recognize AC Klein with a Proclamation for his service to the City and a Key to the City at their regularly scheduled meeting. The FDLPD is also holding a Retirement Open House and Flag Presentation Ceremony with last radio call on Friday, March 31, 2023, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Chief Aaron Goldstein said “Assistant Chief Steve Klein is one of the most understanding and caring individuals I know. I am grateful Steve has been part of my life’s journey and I am thankful for the gift of his friendship. I am so happy for Steve and his family as they begin this new chapter. I will be forever grateful for Steve’s unconditional support for our FDLPD Family!”
