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Matelski joins Monona Police Department

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Mayor Eric Koenig (right) swore in the Monona Police Department’s newest officer, Nicholas Matelski, last month. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The Monona Police Department is back at full strength, with the addition late last month of officer Nicholas Matelski. He joins police chief Jo Amsden and officer Riley Doeppke.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Matelski has lived in Monona for the past three years. Although he has no prior law enforcement experience, he jumped at the opportunity to enter a career field that’s always interested him.

“Out of high school, I was originally going to college to be a cop,” Matelski shared, “but I switched to fire fighting. Growing up, I had family who were fire fighters and I’ve known some cops, so it’s always been something I’ve been interested in doing.”

“I’ve always been one to try and help others,” he added.

Matelski officially started the position Dec. 21. Since then, he’s been learning the police lingo as well as department procedures and the ins and outs of the job.

“I’ve been on some traffic stops, seeing how my fellow officers handle situations and approach people,” he said.

With winter time in a small town, he admitted things have been pretty slow so far. But he’s not complaining.

“It’s nice to have this time to learn and not just get thrown in,” Matelski said.

It helps that he’s already familiar with the community—both its streets and its people—when it comes to responding to calls.

“I already have relationships with people in the area, and they know they can call me if they need help,” he said.

To become a certified officer, Matelski is required to attend the law enforcement academy, which he’s scheduled to do from August to December of this year. In the meantime, he plans to keep growing in the field and assuring residents that he has their backs.

“I’m here to learn and get as much knowledge and training and certification as I can. I’ve also always considered myself a people person, so I want people to think of the police in a positive light,” he stated. “It’s nice knowing I can play a bigger part in keeping the town where I live safe.”

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