RACINE, Wis. — Racine’s new police chief, Alex Ramirez, is hoping to make a difference in the department and city he serves. He’s already making history as the first Latino to ever lead the Racine Police Department.
Ramirez has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He started his career as a police officer in Milwaukee and rose the ranks to become the Milwaukee Police Department’s inspector of police.
He made the switch to Racine in 2021 to become assistant chief. He was appointed interim chief of police in July when former Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson announced his resignation. On Nov. 2, Ramirez was appointed chief by a majority vote from the Police and Fire Commission.
“This is certainly the capstone of my career,” Ramirez said. “This is something that I have wanted since I started back in 1991. Serving the community is what’s important.”
He’s proud of his Latino heritage and is honored to be the first Latino police chief in Racine. But he also wants his leadership of the department to speak for itself. He said he believes it’s all about building meaningful connections with his fellow officers and community members.
“When they see me as a leader, or when I see them out there as an officer, there is a lot of pride that goes into that,” Ramirez said. “It’s not just being Latino, it’s the ability to do this job day in and day out.”
Ramirez said he is seeing signs of improvement in terms of gun violence and public safety in Racine. He wants to keep the momentum going.
Racine Police Lt. Walter Powell has worked alongside Ramirez for two years. He said in that time, Ramirez has already had a very positive impact.
“Morale has turned the corner here,” Powell said. “We have had a couple lean, rough years at RPD. He is on board with us. He comes to the daily roll calls.”