Posted: Feb. 3, 2010

Terry Wolfe, 68, lost his battle with cancer Jan. 28, bringing an end to his 25 years of service to Wauwatosa's Police and Fire Commission.

He is being remembered for dedication to the city and his fairness as president of the body that deals with hirings and disciplinary issues for the city's police and fire departments.

"I don't think he ever missed a meeting," Police Chief Barry Weber said. "He obviously loved Wauwatosa and wanted to see it thrive."

Weber, Fire Chief Dean Redman and just about all their employees were hired under Wolfe, so he had a significant impact on the makeup of both departments' staffs.

Wolfe served as an advocate for both departments, urging the Common Council not to cut funding that could jeopardize the service residents had come to expect or put residents or employees in danger, both chiefs said.

Not afraid to voice his views

As commission president, his authority was limited to personnel issues, but he had strong opinions on police and fire operations. So whenever he had the chance, Wolfe would make recommendations to both chiefs, and they took in all the advice, Redman said.

"We have tremendous respect for the dedication he's given to the betterment of the community," the fire chief said.

Wolfe was instrumental in getting a referendum passed that approved building a replacement Fire Station No. 1, now under construction in the Village. He headed up Safety First for Tosa, an independent political action committee that raised campaign funds, distributed literature and put out yard signs.

Both chiefs described Wolfe as "fair," a word that means a lot when dealing with issues such hiring and firing employees. Chiefs can recommend employee terminations, but it's up to the commission to ultimately make that decision.

"People could always be assured they would get a fair hearing," Weber said.

'An incredible leader'

Wolfe was president when Joe Alioto joined the commission in 2001. He was the veteran working with a new group of commissioners and taught them all about their duties and the processes required to do them. That meant three or four consecutive long nights as they went through the hiring process.

"He was just an incredible leader," said Alioto, who took over as president Jan. 20, when Wolfe resigned.

His wife, Karen, said it was tremendously difficult decision for Wolfe to give up the position. He had the will to keep going, but the prostrate cancer that eventually spread to the rest of his body just would not let him continue.

During his time at the helm of the commission, he was an advocate for diversity in hiring, Alioto said.

When the fire chief made significant changes in the hiring process, such as implementing physical testing standards that were fair to female firefighters, Wolfe studied the topic and backed the efforts, Redman said.

The Wolfe family has lived in Wauwatosa since 1976. He first got involved in city politics when he protested widening North Avenue, a challenge he lost but one that got him more involved at City Hall. He and his wife started attending Tuesday night Common Council meetings and he was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. When a spot opened on the commission, he accepted a mayoral appointment.

"He was concerned about just about anything that had to do with Wauwatosa," Karen said.

He is survived by his wife; two children, Randall Greussing and Kerri Ann Bartz; and grandchildren Samantha and Chance Bartz.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: funeral service for Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission president Terry Wolfe

WHEN: visitation Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by the funeral service

WHERE: Schmidt & Bartelt funeral home, 10121 W. North Ave.

INFORMATION: memorials in Wolfe's name can be made to the following groups: Repairer's of the Breach, Operation Dream, Wisconsin Humane Society or Froedtert Memorial Cancer Fund.