MUPD assistant chief honored with Excellence in University Service Award

MILWAUKEE — Jeff Kranz, assistant chief of police for the Marquette University Police Department, is the recipient of a 2021 Excellence in University Service Award.

The Excellence in University Service Awards recognize staff members for their contributions to the essential work of Marquette at the highest level of excellence. Candidates are nominated based on meritorious service that is above and beyond the duties normally assigned to their positions.

“I feel honored to be nominated and chosen for this award,” Kranz said. “I love Marquette. The Marquette community deserves to be safe and stay safe. I am proud to serve this community alongside my fellow officers and I hope our work and dedication to this community inspires others to be the difference.”

Across the many nominations he received for the award, Kranz is described as reliable, incredibly passionate about helping people and consistently demonstrating an exemplary work ethic.

“He has a very difficult job that requires him to be with people at some of the hardest moments of their lives,” wrote one nominator. “Having been ‘in the trenches’ with him during these difficult moments, I see his empathy and grace when people need it most. When things get tough, Assistant Chief Kranz is the person you want by your side. He has great positive energy and always gets the job done.”

Marquette and its community have seen tragedies and crisis situations. Kranz is noted for being instrumental in responding in those moments with a great deal of professionalism and courage.

It is because of individuals like Kranz, who come to campus each day with Jesuit ideals planted firmly in their mind and heart, that Marquette can continue its mission in the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others.

Colleagues sing his praises as they reflect on how much joy they have experienced working with Kranz thus far.

“I have known Jeff for many years, and he has always been a hard worker, but this past year Jeff has exceeded every expectation I could have of him,” wrote another nominator. “Jeff’s service to the people of MUPD and the community has been exemplary — I am proud to serve with him.”

*The attached photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.