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Village of Winneconne Chief of Police Pete Running. He put into words what the call for deployment felt like – “For us in the military, you just get the call and you’re ready.” -News photo |
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Chief of Police to Deploy to Afghanistan
Running and village prepare for his leave of absence
For military people, it’s the call they know that can come at any time, but when that time comes it brings a surge of emotion and feeling that can’t be prepared or planned. Winneconne’s Chief of Police Pete Running got that call on January 5 and will deploy with 196 soldiers to Afghanistan by early spring.
Running has been a part of the military for 27 years, the last 22 of which have been spent in the Reserves where he is known as Command Sergeant Major Peter Running. He will lead a group of nearly 200 soldiers while in Afghanistan and will work with both the Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations groups. “I’m going to be going in and out of little towns all over the region working with the local leaders, etc. I’ll be moving around a lot, which is a little dangerous,” said Running of his role.
In the next week or so, Running will be notified of his deployment date. At the time, he will travel to California to meet up with his group and begin training with them. They will train for about three months and deploy to Afghanistan in early April where they will serve a nine month tour. “I’m busy, anxious about getting all my affairs in order here, taking care of things so my wife and kids won’t have to – I have to have things in order so I can concentrate on the task when I’m there,” Running shared.
Paul Olson, police lieutenant under Running, will step up and fill in through the course of his deployment. “He’s very capable. He’ll do a great job,” said Running. Other changes include Officer Ben Honer’s hours shifting from nights to days to fill in for Olson’s slot. Honer will still handle patrol during his shift. Part-time officer Justin Schmick was recommended to be moved to full-time during Running’s deployment – which was to have been approved at the village board meeting Tuesday night.
The village employees and Running’s family will host a luncheon in his honor today, January 20 at the municipal center. The Fin ‘n’ Feather, Village Pub and Woodeye’s all donated food for the meal. As the time draws nearer for Running to leave, he says, “I’m ready. Thousands of others have done this. I’m no different. I’m not in this to be a hero. I’m taking 196 guys with me and they’re all coming home with me.” Godspeed Chief Running!
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