(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
“Chief Deputy Marc Levin has dedicated his entire adult life to serving the citizens of Kenosha County. He has been my boss at every stage of my career. I can say that at the most serious and dangerous moments in my career, Marc Levin risked his own life responding, to make sure I had back up. What else can anyone ask of their boss? I appreciate his service, his consistency and his long–time dedication to all divisions at the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. We wish him congratulations and all the best in his well-deserved retirement!”
-Sheriff David W. Zoerner
Kenosha County Chief Deputy Marc Levin has officially retired yesterday, February 28, 2023. He was the second in charge of the large department for the last six years, reporting only to the Sheriff.
Kenosha County Eye asked Chief Levin if he would answer some questions to reflect on his life of service and he graciously agreed.
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When were you hired by the Sheriff’s Department?
I was hired on July 30th, 1990
Was this your first law enforcement gig? If not, where else have you worked?
This was my first Law Enforcement job. I was destined to be a custom cabinet maker.
What roles have you had at the Kenosha County Sheriff’s office?
Other then the department carpenter, I was a field Training officer, I was an evidence technician, an identikit operator ( compiled composite likenesses of suspects ), I was a mobile command operator for a decade and helped begin the creation of the newest sheriff mobile command vehicle. I was a hostage negotiator for more then a decade, I represented the KSD on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and finally the chief disciplinarian for the KSD.
Which years were you promoted?
I was promoted to Sergeant in 2001
I was promoted to Lieutenant in 2011
I was promoted to Captain in 2014
I was promoted to Chief Deputy in 2017
How has law enforcement changed, if at all, during your long career?
Law Enforcement has changed in multiple ways. Training for the deputies has become more in-depth and involved. Technology has evolved from folded state maps and overlays to computer programs and GPS.
The perception by the public of Law Enforcement and what it stands for. In 1990 your word was your bond. You took an oath when you are first hired and you take an oath in court when you testify. The truth and nothing but the truth. People trusted and believed in you. At times when you finished an investigation families invited you to have lunch with them. Now many times after you are done they are quick to dismiss the help they received and frankly tell you to get off their property.
Nobody is above the law and we were all created the same under the law. The world has lost site of that
What is your response when loved ones or friend are interested in a law enforcement career and ask for your opinion?
I have had that question asked of me before. Law Enforcement is not for the weak of heart. It’s a calling and if you are not prepared for the scrutiny, social scowling, name calling or just straight out hatred for what you stand for then please move on.
Our recruitment of yesteryear has gone from 900 test takers at one time to less than 50.
What will you do in your retirement? Will you work part time? What are your favorite hobbies?
I have always had my Custom Carpentry business and built on weekends and when I wasn’t at the Sheriffs Department. Come Wednesday morning at 10am I’ll be in my shop building once again.
What would you like to tell the citizens of Kenosha as you retire from your career?
There is a lot more good people out there than bad. Our jobs are to help those who are in need of our services and at many times at their worst moments in life. The men and women of the KSD are some of the best and highly trained caring professionals you will ever come across. Their jobs are not easy and at times almost impossible. If or when an opportunity arises throw them a smile, a thankful reassuring nod, or even better invite one to have lunch with you on a picnic bench.
Anything else you would like to add?
I could have not worked with and for a better agency. My career spans four sheriffs. Like my mom has reminded me every book has a beginning a middle and an end. My Law Enforcement career end was yesterday, February 28th 2023.
-Marc
Chief Marc B. Levin #158 is 10-42
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Thank you for your many years of service Chief!
KM
3 Responses
I worked with Marc. A good and honorable man (and a great wood worker, too!).
And in this, I guess, Sheriff Zoerner made a big mistake of sorts by not twisting Marc’s arm to stay around. He’s a guy who has been there and done that without fanfare. Need more like him.
GOD bless and congratulations on a lifetime of honorable service. Only sad to lose such a good man.
Congratulations on your career and well deserved retirement. Thanks for your service.