Deputy Inspector Galaviz Retires From The Milwaukee Police Department

Ramon Galaviz

Galaviz was considered as the next likely Chief of Police.

By H. Nelson Goodson

December 29, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Police Deputy Inspector Ramon Galaviz retired on December 20. Galaviz last assignment was as a Special Projects Coordinator for the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) Administration Bureau. He also worked in the field operations and became head of the police academy for eight years. Galaviz was the second highest ranking Hispanic supervisor for the department.

Galaviz was considered as the next likely Chief of Police by the south side Latino communty. He eventually tried twice to become chief, but the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission failed to select Galaviz as chief. 

In 2007, the Commission didn't pick any of the high ranking and well qualified candidates from its own police force, which two were Hispanic including Galaviz and hired an outsider with the support of Mayor Tom Barrett, who they made an exception after the deadline to apply had expired. 

Galaviz also made it to the finalist list for Chief of Police in 2003. In 2000, Galaviz was chosen as UMOS Man of the Year. In the same year, his family was chosen as the UMOS Family of the Year.

He is also a well known volunteer for Mexican Mexican Fiesta.

Galaviz had been a Deputy Inspector, since 1996 and joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 1982.

According to the MPD website, Galaviz served under six Chiefs of Police in a variety of capacaties, rising from a beat cop in District Two up to his last assignment as Special Projects Coordinator in the Administration Bureau, with stops in between at the Metropolitan Division, Districts Five and Six, Lock-Up Court Administration Division, the Criminal Investigations Bureau and Internal Affairs. Previous to his last assignment before retiring, he served as a Night Field Deputy Inspector for over five years with operational oversight responsibilities for the entire Department in the absence of the executive command staff.
Additionally he served as the Director of the Police Academy for over eight years from 2/2002 to 5/2010 with administrative and management oversight of recruit, in-service, specialized and Regional Training Center programs for the entire Department.

Deputy Inspector Galaviz, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, had completed two Master of Science Degrees, in Training and Development and in Vocational and Technical Adult Education; two Bachelor of Science Degrees, in Public Administration and Criminal Justice Administration; and two Associate Degrees, in Police Sciences and General Education.

Throughout his career, he has been a strong proponent of collaborative, community-based policing strategies. This philosphy seeks to realize the force-multiplying benefits and efficiencies of the Department's patrol, investigative and civilian resources by working closely with the stakeholders in Milwaukee's neighborhoods.

Deputy Inspector Galaviz proudly wore his country's uniform for 27 years, four years active-duty and with 23 years of active Reserve time, including service in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. In 2004, he retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.