Keith Klafke is the current Chief of Police for the City of Portage since 2020. Keith has 24 years of law enforcement service holding several positions of leadership during his tenure which include Patrol Sergeant, Administrative Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief. Keith has managed large budgets and projects for over 10 years including countless hiring and promotional processes internally. Keith has assisted and guidance to other municipalities on command staff level hiring processes including Chief of Police.
Keith is a graduate of Northwest School of Police Staff and Command and has attended several leadership and Incident Command courses and has strong background in human resources and is a current member of the peer support team for the Portage Police Department. Keith has been a career police trainer specializing in firearms, use of force tactics and active threat preparedness. He has prepared or assisted on several large-scale exercises to train officers within his agency and others. Keith focuses on Community-oriented policing and has built a strong relationships and partnerships through transparency, citizen-first approaches, and hosting or assisting on large community events.
Keith has revolutionized his department through research and development including studies on staffing, command structure, fleet and equipment management. He has been adaptive to changes in law enforcement and local government and relies on strategic and problem-solving initiatives.
Keith was the former president of the Columbia County Chief’s Association and currently holds the treasurer position. Keith is a member of the Wisconsin Chief’s Association, board member for the Portage Boys and Girls Club and Portage Area United Way, Elks Club, and coach for youth football.
Kieth works on executive recruitment and consultant studies for Law Enforcement agencies.
