Ron was nominated as a hidden hero in our community by his daughter Stacey Cisewski- Ron, my father has dedicated over 40 years to this community in many aspects. 32 years he spent as a police officer for the city. Throughout those 32 years he volunteered his time as a softball coach, mentor, and on various boards and committees. After retirement he worked numerous years at justice works mentoring individuals. After, he served on the police and fire commission. The last three years he has been a softball coach for point fast pitch. My father has made a huge impact on this community. He has always treated others as he would like to be treated.

 

This is Ron's Story:

 

Originally from West Allis Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee). During High School I played football and basketball for West Milwaukee High School. I also worked as a vendor then a groundskeeper for the Milwaukee Brewers with many great memories from Mickey Mantle to Hank Aaron's last home run #755 and a lot of other stories. During high school I started dating my wife Donna in 10th grade. After graduation I worked for one year at A.O. Smith Corporation to save money to attend college at UWSP as I wanted to become a game warden because of a love of the outdoors and wildlife.

 

I then started at UWSP in the fall of 1977, after one semester I found that college may not be for me. I then joined the U.S. Army National Guard and went to basic training and Military Police School at Fort McClellan, Alabama. My plan being upon discharge to work as a police officer in Central Wisconsin and if I could not find employment to join the regular army after one year.

 

Upon discharge my high school sweetheart and I moved to Stevens Point and were married in September of 1978. We chose Stevens Point because of it's location and size. It was big enough to offer everything you could want yet small enough that you could spend a hour talking to someone you know while shopping. The location also allowed you a short trip to see the Brewers, or Packers play, or travel to the Apostle islands due to the central location. It also allowed you to roam the woods only minutes away from your doorstep.

In December 1978 I was hired as a Stevens Point Police officer. During my career I met presidents, vice presidents, presidential candidates and other well known people. But it was the citizens of the community that made my career special. I always treated people the way I would want to be treated and strive to gain their respect. There are many memories of the job that haunt me to this day. But there are so many good memories of helping people in trying times in their lives. I retired in 2010 after 32 years of service to the community as Assistant Chief of Police. 

 

I was retired for two days and then started a 2nd career at Justiceworks a non profit organization that focused on restorative justice. I worked with individuals who had just been released from prison or jail with the goal of turning their lives around and being a contributing member of our community. Though my police career was rewarding the job at Justiceworks was more rewarding. I saw first hand people change and gain pride in themselves and their lives as they overcame trauma in their lives, drug use, criminal behavior and gained meaningful employment. I then retired after five years from Justiceworks.

 

I believe in being a part of the community and giving something back above and beyond personal employment. I have served on many boards of many organizations some of which include- Commissioner on the Stevens Point Police and Fire Commission, Central Wisconsin Center for Non Profits, Portage County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Salvation Army, Portage County Elder Abuse Team, Portage County Child Passenger Safety, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Stevens Point Youth Girls softball, Valley Community Credit Union, Portage County Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse committee, City of Stevens Point Safety Committee, United Way Allocations committee, Special Olympics, and many professional police associations.

 

Donna and I had three daughters and now have 11 grandchildren. I have coached Stevens Point girls softball for over 20 years and still coach with my daughter Stacey and granddaughters today. I also was the girls varsity softball coach at Stevens Point Area Senior High for two years.

 

My motto in life is you get out of life what you put into it. I am very proud of my family, and my community. If you want to see change in yourself or your life you must be the one to start that change.

 

My favorite movie is "It's a Wonderful Life" because it has been.