First Woman Appointed Appleton Police Chief

The Appleton Police Department has sworn in a new Police Chief Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

Polly Olson has become the first woman to lead the department.

In A swearing in ceremony Olson said, “I will remain focused on hiring the best people for our agency and the community. I will seek out opportunities for us to continue to grow. You and your families will also be my top priority.”

Olson has been on the Appleton police force since 2001, starting as a patrol officer. She’s also served as a school resource officer, patrol captain, and captain of investigations and support services, and she became assistant chief in May 2021.

Olson replaces Todd Thomas who retired at the end of 2022 after serving as Appleton’s chief for 7 years.