Plover welcomes 21st police officer

By Brandi Makuski

The Plover Police Department is now 21 officers strong.

Chief Ryan Fox conducted his second swearing-in on Feb. 8, his first with a new officer to the department.

Michael Fletcher, 26, was honorably discharged from the United States Army in late January. He worked as a military police officer since 2014 and also spent time as a K9 officer.

Fletcher was part of 98 combat missions in Afghanistan and also served with the United States Secret Service on presidential details.

He is originally from Nevada, though his parents are from Wisconsin, and the family recently moved back. Fletcher’s family was in attendance on Monday for the swearing-in ceremony.

“You will be a witness to the dark side of humanity; you will see death, destruction, and senseless violence,” Fox told Fletcher during the ceremony. “Yet, you’ll bear witness to the amazing support we receive from our community, you’re going to get your fill of sweet treats and thank you cards, and your hand is going to get tired from all the return waves on patrol.”

Fletcher said he and his family were looking forward to being members of the Plover community.

He is married with one child. The family lives in Plover.