Wausau PD Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Policing in Germany | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode 26 Feb 06, 2026

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Happy Podcast Friday! Deputy Chief Baeten recently hada conversation with Andy Ritter from the Schleswig-Holstein State Police in the northernmost part of Germany. The two became acquainted a few years ago and have maintained a friendship ever since. In this episode of the Wausau PDPodcast, they discuss some of the differences and similarities between law enforcement in Wausau, Wisconsin and Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

Family Keys | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #25 Oct 10, 2025

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Happy Podcast Friday!

After some time away, the Wausau PD Podcast is back! In this episode, Chief Barnes is joined by the Marathon County Department of Social Services director, Christa Jensen, to talk about the Family Keys program. Take a listen to find out how Family Keys is working to keep families together while preparing them for long-lasting success.

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on Facebook, YouTube, and other major platforms

Sextortion | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #24 Jul 11, 2025

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Happy Podcast Friday! In this episode, Capt. Ben Graham leads a discussion with a few staff members about some of the darker ways technology is being used - specifically, for 'sextortion'. Listen as School Resource Officer Nick Stetzer, Victim Resource Officer Sarah Bedish, and Mental Health Therapist Kristen Seidler share their experience and perspectives on what this problem entails, how it affects our community, and steps we can take to mitigate its harmful impact.

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

New Recruits | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #23 Jun 13, 2025

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Happy Podcast Friday! We recently congratulated two new officers, Molly Shnowske and Savannah Reed, on their graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. These officers sat down with Captain Pauls to discuss their academy experience, why they sought a law enforcement career, and what they are looking forward to as they begin their field training. Welcome aboard!

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

Social Media | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #22 May 30, 2025

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Back-to-back Friday Podcasts! This episode has DC Baeten joined by Lt. Luis Lopes-Serrao and city videographer, Ethan Bares, to talk about the department's use of social media and video content to connect with the community. We discussed the evolution of Wausau PD's social media presence, why we expend effort in reaching others through social media, and how original video content became a game-changer for us. We also shared some thoughts & suggestions on how other law enforcement agencies might further leverage this well-established means of connecting with their respective communities.

Finally, as Ethan prepares to exit his current role as the city Community Communication Specialist (i.e., videographer) - he is joining our department in several weeks as a sworn officer - he shared his thoughts on the value of the videographer role and the opportunities it presents.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in becoming the next Community Communication Specialist, submit an application online by June 12th, 2025: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wausauwi

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

Retired K-9 Handler Mark Kurtzhals | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #21 May 23, 2025

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Happy Podcast Friday!

Reflecting on a career spanning 28 years, retired patrol officer & K9 handler, Mark Kurtzhals, came back to talk about lessons learned and advice he'd share with others. We also found out what a police K9 does in retirement. *Teaser - it seems to involve a lot of sleeping.*

Officer Kurtzhals retired from law enforcement in May of last year, but his impact will remain for a long time.

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

Homelessness in Wausau - The WMC Shelter | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #20 Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

It may not be Friday, but here is a special podcast episode with Chief Barnes and Community Outreach Specialist Tracy Durante. There is some exigency in getting this episode’s message out there because WE NEED YOUR HELP! Homelessness is a challenge that individuals & families across this country (and world) are facing with increasing frequency. You would be hard-pressed to find a community that isn’t struggling to find effective ways to provide programs and shelter for its unhoused citizens.

In this podcast episode, Chief Barnes and Tracy Rieger detail an upcoming shelter provider gap in Wausau starting May 1st. As an interim solution, the Wausau Police Department will be overseeing the opening of the ‘Wausau Marathon County (WMC) Shelter.’

How can you help?

There is an urgent need for us to hire a number of folks to fill temporary positions (~ 8 months) to staff this shelter, along with securing invaluable volunteer assistance. These paid & volunteer opportunities will make an impact on others in an immediate and fulfilling way. Learn more about the WMC Shelter in this 20th episode of the Wausau PD Podcast!

To apply online for any of the temporary shelter positions, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wausauwi/

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

'Seek Then Speak' | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #19 Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

🎙 Happy Podcast Friday!

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we’re releasing a special episode of the Wausau PD Podcast focused on 'Seek Then Speak'—a powerful, confidential tool that empowers survivors of sexual assault to explore their options and, if they choose, begin the process of reporting.

This episode was made possible through the collaboration of community partners who share our commitment to supporting survivors: Aspirus Health, The Womens Community, Inc., and the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office.

We encourage you to listen, learn, and share. Together, we can continue to build a community that supports survivors with compassion and care.

Throughout April, The Womens Community, Inc. is also hosting several events to raise awareness and offer support. You can learn more about these events by visiting www.womenscommunity.org

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

Officer Andrew Kutchenriter | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #18 Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Several months ago, Ofc. Andy Kutchenriter sat down to interview Det. Dave Bertram. This time the roles are reversed as Det. Bertram tosses out some questions to get to know Ofc. Kutchenriter better! Learn more about this Wausau native's upbringing, military experience, and forays into different career paths on his way to finding a home at Wausau PD. Ofc. Kutchenriter's background and drive to serve others make him a big part of our department!

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on YouTube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

Marathon County Sheriff's Office | Wausau PD Podcast | Episode #17 Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Chief Barnes visits with Marathon County Sheriff, Chad Billeb as they reflect on the common law enforcement goals shared by the police & sheriff’s departments. From special teams to cooperative training initiatives, our paths align quite a bit. We think we’ve laid the groundwork for several future podcasts highlighting the joint services we offer.

The Wausau PD Podcast is also available on Youtube, Facebook, and other major platforms.

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