Command Staff

Chief of Police

Aaron L. Olson

Years in Law Enforcement: 26

• Started my law enforcement career in 1998
• Started working at the Neenah Police Department in 2015

Education: 

• M.S. Administration, Barry University, Miami FL
• B.S. Public Administration, Barry University, Miami, FL
• Graduate of FBI National Academy, Session 277
• Graduate of the Wisconsin Command College, Class 4
• Graduate of the Florida Leadership Academy, Class 32
• Graduate of the International Association of Chiefs of Police-Leadership in Police Organizations

It is my sincere honor to serve as the Neenah Police Department Chief of Police. We have a great police department filled with a team who treats each citizen with dignity and respect. Our agency is exceptionally progressive, and we strive to be the best police department in the Fox Valley and beyond.

The City of Neenah is located in the center of the Fox Cities metropolitan area and has strong economic growth, with exceptional community enrichment programs. Due to all these factors and more, working in the City of Neenah is an outstanding experience.

Assistant Chief

Jeff P. Bernice

Years in Law Enforcement: 26

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration, Florida Southwestern State College, Fort Myers, FL
• Associates Degree in Science, Florida Southwestern State College, Fort Myers, FL
• Associates Degree in Arts, Florida Southwestern State College, Fort Myers, FL

I serve as the Assistant Chief for the Neenah Police Department overseeing daily operations, fiscal management and personnel management. I enjoy working with the agency due to the rich history, amazing staff and the exceptional community we serve.

Professional Staff Captain

Tom H. Van Sambeek

Years in Law Enforcement: 26

• I started my law enforcement career as a Community Service Aide for the Neenah and Menasha Police Departments and as a police officer in Manawa.

Education: 

• Associates Degree in Police Science and Electronics Technology, Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI.
• Graduated from the Criminal Justice Executive Development Institute.
• Attended numerous supervisor courses over the years.

I have served in several capacities over the years. I have worked days and nights, was a member of the tactical team, SWAT team, drone team and I am a trainer in multiple disciplines.

I worked as a patrol officer for five years before being promoted to Patrol Sergeant in June of 2004 and then to Lieutenant in May of 2005. I spent 15 years on nights as a Patrol Lieutenant and loved every minute of it!

I then transitioned to a day shift position for about three years and then was promoted to my current position as Professional Staff Captain in March of 2020.

In this position, I supervise mainly civilian personnel. I also oversee professional standards, including citizen complaints, internal investigations and all use of force reports.

I love working at the Neenah Police Department because of the people. From all the helpful staff here at the police department to all of the other city departments that will lend a hand at a moment’s notice. And, of course, I love the city and the citizens of Neenah. I always enjoy getting out and talking to people at the parks, school events and even a quick stop at the neighborhood lemonade stand.

Captain of Operations

Amy L. Wagner

Years in Law Enforcement: 25

Education: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from UW-Oshkosh
• Currently enrolled in the WI Command College
• Previously attended Leadership in Police Organizations and First Line Leadership training

On July 1, 2024, I became the Captain of Operations. My responsibilities include: supervising Patrol operations and the Investigative Services Unit.

I love the community support and raising my family in Neenah. The family atmosphere at the Neenah Police Department is amazing-my coworkers have always been there for each other.

Our agency has many different specialty positions and teams which I have been fortunate to participate in. Training is highly encouraged and helps promote officer development.