The Village of Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission received motions to dismiss the April 3 charges of Kewaskum Police Chief Thomas Bishop and Lieutenant Bryan Frank. The charges outlined the procedures and hiring protocols related to the employment of a Kewaskum Police Officer.

The Kewaskum Village Board was informed of allegations from the early 2000s involving the officer during his employment with a prior law enforcement agency in Juneau County. That matter resulted in disciplinary findings that were upheld on appeal in Juneau County Circuit Court and ultimately, his termination from the Juneau County law enforcement agency. The officer’s application to the Kewaskum Police Department did not disclose the reason for the conclusion of his prior employment. The independent investigation examined whether appropriate due diligence was conducted prior to the officer’s hire, and whether department leadership fulfilled its responsibilities under established hiring and vetting procedures.

According to the statement from the Kewaskum Village Board, filing charges with the Police and Fire Commission was the appropriate legal mechanism under Wisconsin law to ensure that these matters were reviewed thoroughly, fairly and transparently. This process was fair to all parties.