|
A distinguished career with the Milwaukee Police Department that included command duties of District Two and the Criminal Intelligence Division – as well as frequent contacts with residents, business owners and elected officials – prepared Ald. Robert W. Puente for his first public elected office. A 9th District resident for more than 38 years, he was re-elected to a second term as alderman of the district on April 1, 2008.
As a captain and 27-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, Ald. Puente dedicated nearly his entire adult life to helping make Milwaukee's streets and neighborhoods safe. He helped spearhead successful, award-winning MPD efforts to prevent gun violence and get illegal firearms off the streets, including administering the department's Operation Ceasefire program. As a district commander he was known for his no-nonsense, aggressive approach to fighting gangs and crime, and violent crime was reduced significantly in high crime areas of the near south side as a direct result of his leadership. Ald. Puente also worked to improve police-community relations, hosting district open houses and establishing daily foot patrols to increase officers' communication and contact with residents and business owners. He also worked to reduce graffiti vandalism in the city as a liaison to the Anti-Graffiti Policy Committee.
Ald. Puente holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Mount Senario College, is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy and also graduated from the Police Staff & Command Program at Northwestern University. He is a member of the Milwaukee Community Safety Coalition and he has served as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and the Police Athletic League.
Ald. Puente is married with adult children, and he is an active and longtime member of St. Peter – Immanuel Church, 7801 W. Acacia St.
|