Fox Cities News

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Police Chief Chris Tarmann, a 2014 graduate with a degree in human services leadership, will receive the 2024 UWO Outstanding Alumni Service Award during Homecoming weekend this fall.

Tarmann has served with the UWO Police Department for 15 years, fostering relationships between the department, the campus community, and the broader community. "Chief Tarmann seldom misses an opportunity to offer assistance to other University departments and organizations so their functions or events can run smoothly," said UWO Police Lt. Greg Weitz. "By consistently working to improve these relationships, Chief Tarmann has put our department in a position where community members are familiar and comfortable with our officers; many UWO students know our officers by name."

Tarmann co-created Run with the Cops, an annual event that has raised nearly $500,000 for Special Olympics Wisconsin over the past decade. Bryttany Biesemeier, director of development for Special Olympics Wisconsin, praised Tarmann’s work ethic: “His ability to work efficiently under stressful conditions and nerve-wracking deadlines speaks volumes to his hard work and determination,” she said.

Jennifer Skolaski, facilitator of Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review team, highlighted Tarmann's dedication: “I have watched Chris go above and beyond in so many situations that I’ve lost count,” she said. She noted his role in starting the Narcan program at UW Oshkosh.

Tarmann also helped create the We Heart You mobile app for substance abuse resources and Wisconsin Law Enforcement Guardians app for law enforcement wellness resources. Nearly 5,000 law enforcement professionals currently use the latter app.

He has brought a national active threat response conference to UWO and is recognized as a national instructor. Reflecting on his career journey at UWO since being hired in 2008, Tarmann remarked: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a virus or a dangerous person or a tornado or whatever; I’m going to step into it... I signed up to be whatever this place needs me to be to help keep people safe.”

The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will honor 13 alumni during Homecoming weekend on Oct. 18-19. Alongside Tarmann receiving the Alumni Outstanding Service Award, seven will receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award and four will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award.