Head of police union charged with drunk driving

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PORTAGE - The head of the state police union says he’s “ashamed” he was picked up for drunk driving this month in Columbia County.

James Palmer of Sun Prairie, director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, issued a statement yesterday in which he apologized and promised not to challenge his first-time OWI citation.

According to authorities, Palmer and police association finance director Jean Steinhauer had three drinks at a Madison tavern before they each drove away. The 48-year-old Steinhauer lost control on a curve north of Sun Prairie and drove through a large snowbank and into a shed. Palmer then drove there to help her. His blood alcohol level was point-146, and Steinhauer’s level was point-15 – both well above the state’s legal limit of point-zero-eight. Steinhauer was also cited for first-offense drunk driving.

The 34-year-old Palmer has been with the state’s police association since 2003 – and he hopes to stay with the group. He said he recognizes how his conduct reflects upon law enforcement. Palmer’s group endorsed the state’s recent crackdown on drunk driving – and he says they’ll continue supporting those efforts.

Tags: crime & courts, news, wisconsin