
Bryan Polcyn
If there's one thing I've learned after 30 years in radio and television news, it's this -- don't yell at a guy with a gun.
I've been known to get caught up in the moment, especially on 'unscheduled' interviews. I've been yelled at, cursed at, hip-checked, hung up on, threatened and shoved out the door. And, yes, there was that one time a guy came out of his house with a gun and yelled at me -- and I yelled back. I was correctly admonished to never do it again by my news director, my mother and my wife.
I never expected to be an investigative reporter. When I first got into radio in 1991, I wanted to do sports play-by-play. I'd been inspired by one of my childhood heroes, St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck. After four years in radio, I found I had a knack for the news and attended the University of Missouri School of Journalism where I made the leap from radio to television.
In 1998, I became a crime beat reporter for KCCI-TV 8 in Des Moines. In 2000, I joined the special projects unit at WDAF-TV (FOX 4) in Kansas City. And in 2004, I came to WITI-TV FOX6 News to join the investigative team. I've been fortunate to work all these years for a station that values investigative reporting as one of the pillars of our news operation. We get the time to dig into complex issues that have a genuine impact on your life. We hold politicians and government leaders accountable and aim to ensure they are transparent. It's hard work, but it's also fulfilling. I'm grateful every single day that I work for a company that believes in the power and importance of in-depth, hard news reporting.
While I do have a passion for my work, I'm a strong believer in work-life balance. And away from the job, I have a very full life. I'm married with four kids (two of my own, two step-children). In the next few years, we'll have three in college (send money, please!). I love to run, play soccer, go camping, ride roller-coasters, tailgate, and socialize with friends. I'm a big fan of chocolate porter and coffee stout. I can sing a mean karaoke. And I like few things better than a leisurely cruise on a warm summer weekend on my 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500.
If you ride, let me know. Maybe we can get out on one together.
The latest from Bryan Polcyn
Ridglan Farms break-in, animal rights activists storm facility
Dozens of animal rights activists stormed Ridglan Farms, a controversial dog breeding facility west of Madison, on Sunday morning, March 15.
Milwaukee kidnapping trial of Timothy Olson | March 11 testimony
Testimony began Wednesday in the trial of Timothy Olson, the man charged with kidnapping a 79-year-old woman at gunpoint.
Milwaukee kidnapping trial of Timothy Olson; opening statements shared
A jury trial is finally underway for a man charged with kidnapping a 79-year-old Franklin woman. Prosecutors say the armed abduction happened the day before Thanksgiving in 2022.
Milwaukee kidnapping trial, 'Ripoff Romeo' competent to proceed
A Milwaukee County judge on Friday ruled that Timothy Olson, a man once dubbed the "Ripoff Romeo," has the mental capacity to stand trial.
Open Record: After the Boom
A growing list of major construction projects in and around Milwaukee are now in limbo.
'Ripoff Romeo' Timothy Olson disputes his competency ruling in court
A doctor says Timothy Olson is competent to stand trial in the 2022 kidnapping of an elderly woman. Olson himself disagrees.
Open Record: End of an Era
FOX6's Bryan Polcyn, Carl Deffenbaugh and Jason Calvi talk about Assembly Speaker Robin Vos' sometimes tumultuous tenure and the legacy he will leave.
Milwaukee police officer charged in Flock camera misuse case
Milwaukee police officer Josue Ayala is charged with attempted misconduct in public office after prosecutors say he used Flock license plate readers 179 times to track someone he was dating and that person’s ex.
Krabbe disease testing for newborns, Wisconsin to begin process
The state of Wisconsin will soon begin testing all newborns for a Krabbe disease, deadly neurological disorder.
Wisconsin wakesurfing bill change would authorize sandhill crane hunt
A Wisconsin Assembly bill to regulate wakesurfing underwent a last-minute change, which would authorize a sandhill crane hunt if it becomes law.









