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Deputy police chief retiring after 32 years

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Steven J. Kopp

JANESVILLE — When Deputy Chief Steve Kopp started at the Janesville Police Department, he was the only officer who wore a bullet-resistant vest.

It was 1977, and Janesville officers didn't think vests were necessary, but Kopp wore a vest at his previous job in South Beloit, Ill., and continued the practice.

Six years later, a Janesville officer was shot in the chest and saved by his body armor. The vests eventually became standard.

Kopp will be remembered for more than being the department's pioneer of armored vests when he retires this week after 32 years. He also was influential in getting the department accredited and moving it into a new building.

Deputy Chief Danny Davis has worked with Kopp for 25 years. Davis said he would miss chatting with Kopp, hearing about his family and other day-to-day interactions.

He added that Kopp's professionalism and attention to detail made others better.

"It's how he works every day. It's how he lives his life every day," Davis said.

Kopp also has a warm, personal side and knows the importance of family, he said.

"You don't find a lot of people who can achieve that balance," Davis said.

Kopp was a patrol officer for seven years, spent two years in the drug unit, three years in the detective bureau and eventually climbed the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief.

Chief Dave Moore has worked with Kopp his entire career. He said Kopp always has been a solid performer on whom people relied.

Moore said Kopp has gone from an officer who enjoyed investigations and arrests to an administrator who enjoyed teaching others the job. He said Kopp's departure would leave a deep void in the department.

"He's hard working, very articulate, both in his spoken and written word," Moore said.

Kopp said the biggest changes in the past three decades include better police technology such as laptops in patrol cars.

Kopp is most proud of leading the department through accreditation. The department is one of about 13 accredited agencies in the state.

"It shows that our police department is doing things the right way and it has been recognized for that," he said.

Kopp also represented the department on its new building project. The department moved into the building in 2005.

"It's an outstanding building, and I'm proud to have been a part of that," he said.

Kopp will miss his co-workers at the police department. He believes police officers form tight bonds because they work irregular hours and are thrown into traumatic situations.

"I just think the Janesville Police Department is staffed with the most professional and highest quality staff around," he said.

Kopp has many memories of working investigations and solving crimes over the years. It's hard to pick one.

"It's just a lot of memories," he said.

Kopp plans to spend more time with his wife, two adult daughters and grandchildren. He has no plans for a new job, but he will look for opportunities.

He plans to continue his love of traveling. He and his wife are planning a trip to Egypt.