Wausau Police Department Recently Participates in STAR International Police Exchange Program

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 -- 9:00 AM

The Wausau Police Department recently participated in the STAR International Police Exchange Program.

Wausau Police Lt. Luis Lopes-Serrao has returned from his two-week exchange program in the State of Hesse Germany, along with 5 other American police officers. The other officers were from UW-Madison PD, Colorado and Texas.

During the two weeks, they lived with host families of current or retired German police and learned about policing in Germany and their culture. To be hosted in the State of Hesse was very special, as they are Wausau’s sister-state and is the longest German-American sister-state relationship in the United States, since 1976.

This program is only possible through the strong relationship of the German STAR program and the STAR International Police Exchange - Wisconsin Chapter. Lt. Lopes-Serrao was required to privately cover all costs related to travel and associated program fees.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.