PONTOON BEACH — After 11 years as police chief, Chris Modrusic announced his retirement Tuesday night, closing a 31-year career with the Pontoon Beach Police Department and 33-year career in law enforcement.
Modrusic addressed the village board, thanking officers, village officials and his family for their support. He said he would miss the officers he served with and the relationships he built in the community, and looked forward to spending more time with his family.
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Rich Carney will take over as chief, with Chris Warren serving as assistant chief.
Modrusic, a Marquette Catholic High School graduate, told the board he could not have imagined becoming chief when he began his law enforcement career. Reflecting on his years of service, he emphasized the people he worked with and the relationships he formed along the way.
He thanked the mayor for the opportunity to lead the department and for supporting its employees. He also thanked the village trustees for their support throughout his career.
Addressing the department’s officers, Modrusic said he was proud of them and acknowledged the missed holidays and long phone calls that come with police work. He urged them to take care of one another and remember their responsibility to protect and serve the community.
Modrusic also thanked his wife for supporting him through late nights, phone calls and missed holidays, including during his 11 years as chief and time as an officer. He expressed gratitude to his children and family and said he would leave with a lifetime of memories.
His wife removed his badge and the mayor presented him with a retirement badge.
