Chief Robert Ziarnik began his career as a patrolman in 1950. Prior to that he served in the U.S. Navy for three years and during his law enforcement career, served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. During his career, he was a lieutenant at District's One and Five, Captain in the Vice Squad and Personnel Bureau and headed the Police Academy. He retired from the position of Inspector of Police in 1983 and came out of retirement in 1984 to serve as Chief of Police.
Under Chief Ziarnik's direction, the officers' uniform design and material were upgraded from wool to cotton and nylon, thereby improving looks and ease of maintenance. He established a citywide Metropolitan Division, with headquarters in the First District, which was absorbed by District's Two, Three and Five. That Division was abolished in 1991 and District One was re-established, although smaller than the original.
His service to the Department had spanned more than 35 years when he retired for a second time as Chief in 1989.
Mention should be made of the contribution of Assistant Chief LeRoy Jahnke. His long career on the Department included two terms as Acting Chief. He was first appointed in 1984 until Robert Ziarnik came out of retirement to become Chief and again undertook the responsibilities in 1989 when Ziarnik retired and until Philip Arreola was appointed.
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