New Dublin’s 2026 Grand Marshal: A Full Circle for Jeff Schlueter

NEW DUBLIN – In March 1996, Jeff Schlueter was a 23-year-old rookie fresh out of the police academy, stepping into a squad car for his very first day on patrol. As the bagpipes roared and a sea of green descended upon New London, he began a 29-year journey of watching over the city’s festivities with a police radio in his ear and a focus on public safety.
This Saturday, March 21, that journey comes full circle as Schlueter trades his squad car for a guest-of-honor ride as the Shamrock Club of New Dublin’s 2026 Parade Grand Marshal.
For Schlueter, a 1990 graduate of New London High School, being selected to lead the parade is more than just a retirement honor; it’s a recognition of a career built on local roots. By March 1996, Schlueter had returned to his hometown to begin his career as a patrol officer with the NLPD. He still remembers that first day of patrol, riding with Jay Zempel on parade day.
From there, he spent nearly three decades serving the community, eventually leading the department as Chief for 16 years.
“I always considered it an advantage, being from my hometown,” Schlueter said, reflecting on his deep local ties. “I knew a lot of people and had a lot of connections. It was never really a disadvantage to me. I knew what the expectations of New London were and what went on here. You also take a little extra pride in your city when you’re from there; you take it a bit more personally.”

Schlueter officially retired from the NLPD in April 2025, when he accepted a position with the Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Company (CVMIC). Fifty-six different municipalities own CVMIC, including New London. Schlueter now serves as a Protective Service Risk Specialist, essentially working as a consultant for police chiefs and member municipalities.
“I put on trainings, write articles, and hold roundtables when something hits the news to make sure chiefs and administration are aware of what’s going on,” said Schlueter. He also produces “roll call videos,” which are 3-5 minute segments departments use to advise on best practices. “My job is to assist chiefs with policy questions, equipment research, or risk mitigation. I also run a mental health program where if an officer is involved in a critical incident they can receive free confidential assistance.”
Retiring as police chief and stepping into this new role was a natural progression. “It’s a job I really enjoy, and it’s great to still be connected to law enforcement and work with them on a daily basis,” he said. “It was a good transition for the age I was. If I was ever going to try something different, I might not have the opportunity again.”
He noted that the New London Police Department is in good hands with Police Chief Josh Wilson and Assistant Chief Nick Kamba.
The transition from guardian of the parade to its guest of honor began with a surprise phone call from the Shamrock Club’s Jill Hart. Schlueter was up in Rhinelander when his phone rang.
“I thought she had a question about what we’d done in the past,” Schlueter laughed, recalling how he was prepared to tell her he didn’t want to step on the new Chief’s toes. “Then she asked me to be the Grand Marshal. That was not what I was expecting, but I’m very honored they asked.”
Looking forward to Saturday, Schlueter is eager to experience the event’s unique energy from a different perspective. “That’s one of the cool things about St. Patrick’s Day; everyone is out to have a good time, strangers become friends, and it’s the start of spring,” he noted.
For those attending, the Grand Marshal offers a seasoned “pro-tip” for the week-long marathon: focus on the food. “We have a lot of places that make really good corned beef and cabbage, all with their own little twist,” he advised. “Go out and enjoy it... during St. Patrick’s week, come to our city and try it at a few different places.”
When the parade kicks off this Saturday at 1:00 p.m., Schlueter will finally trade the duty of the badge for the honor of the sash. While his habits might still lead him to scan the rooftops out of instinct, for the first time in 30 years, he can simply enjoy the spirit of the community that built him.