Latest news with #PoliceandFireCommission
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
West Allis deputy fire chief on administrative leave; what we know
The Brief West Allis Deputy Fire Chief Michael Wright has been placed on administrative leave. It follows an investigation that coincided with a citizen complaint filed against him. Attorneys found he violated department policy by using "insulting, defamatory and obscene language" about other employees. MILWAUKEE - West Allis placed a deputy fire chief on administrative leave, and FOX6 News obtained an investigation that coincided with a citizen complaint against the man that sheds light on the situation. What we know Attorneys hired by the firefighters' union and the city's Police and Fire Commission found Michael Wright violated department policy by using "insulting, defamatory and obscene language" about other employees at least four times. The report also found Wright improperly handled an internal investigation. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android The attorneys concluded that Wright does not need "significant punishment" but a written reprimand, suspension or demotion could be "appropriate." Dig deeper Wright is not the only public official facing scrutiny in Milwaukee County. Over the past several weeks, Greenfield's police chief was placed on administrative leave, and Franklin's mayor faced allegations of misconduct tied to his time as a Waterford police lieutenant. Jay Johnson was placed on administrative leave from the Greenfield Police Department over "workplace concerns" after the city said it received "significant allegations" about his conduct. Johnson said the allegations against him include creating a toxic workplace and berating a union worker. Assistant Police Chief Eric Lindstrom is serving as Greenfield's acting police chief. Franklin Mayor John Nelson is under fire because of a now-closed investigation from months ago. He was accused of fostering a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and getting paid on-and-off the table when he was with the Waterford Police Department. FOX6 News obtained records that list some accusations, such as hostile work environment, sexual harassment and improper use of town resources while Nelson was campaigning for mayor in Franklin. The investigation ended when Nelson retired in October. He has not been charged with any crime. The Source FOX6 News obtained a report filed with the West Allis Police and Fire Commission. Information in this story is from that report, as well as prior coverage of other incidents.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Greenfield police chief on administrative leave; assistant chief appointed role
The Brief Greenfield Police Chief Jay Johnson was placed on administrative leave on Friday, April 25 over "workplace concerns." The Police and Fire Commission appointed Assistant Chief Eric Lindstrom to fill the role on Wednesday night, April 30. Lindstrom has been with the department since 2003. GREENFIELD, Wis. - The mayor of Greenfield tells FOX6 News that "workplace concerns" are the reasons why that city's police chief is now on leave. What we know Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke said Police Chief Jay Johnson was placed on administrative leave on Friday, April 25. Johnson has been the head of the Greenfield Police Department since 2019, when he was appointed chief of police. But Johnson has worked for the department for much longer. He started his time with Greenfield as an officer back in 1992 and has been a captain and lieutenant. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Officials say Johnson was placed on administrative leave "while the city conducts an independent review of workplace concerns." What they're saying Mayor Neitzke said the following in a statement: "...Because this is a personnel matter and the review is ongoing, the City will not be providing additional details at this time. Our priority is to ensure a thorough, fair process and to maintain the continued safety and effective service of the Greenfield Police Department for our community." FOX6 News also reached out to Common Council members and they referred back to Neitzke's statement. FOX6 News also reached out to Police and Fire Commission members but have not heard back. What's next On Wednesday evening, April 30, the five-member commission went into closed session during a special meeting to discuss the appointment of an acting police chief. They unanimously voted for Assistant Chief Eric Lindstrom to fill the role. FOX6 News tried to speak with Lindstrom, but was told he was not doing any interviews. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News According to the city's website, Lindstrom has been with the department since 2003. He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2015, detective sergeant in 2017 and captain in 2018. The Greenfield Common Council also had a special meeting and approved hiring a private investigative firm – but it is unclear if that decision is related to Johnson. The Source The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.

Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson will retire after more than 44 years in law enforcement
GRAND CHUTE — Police Chief Greg Peterson will retire later this year after 15 years as chief and more than 44 years in law enforcement. The Police and Fire Commission will begin the recruitment process for a new police chief and expects to announce a successor by late summer or early fall. Peterson will remain in his role until the selection process is done. Peterson has served as police chief since 2010. "My tenure as chief has been the pinnacle of a career that has spanned more than 44 years, and my decision to leave the position has been extremely difficult to make," Peterson said, adding that it has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Grand Chute Police Department. Peterson's law enforcement career began in 1980, when he joined the Appleton Police Department as a patrol officer. He had a 29½-year career with Appleton, including 20 months as the interim Grand Chute police chief when the two communities explored the feasibility of merging their police departments. The merger didn't happen, but Peterson said the experience inspired him to apply for Grand Chute police chief in 2010. Under Peterson's leadership, the police department added its first police dog unit in 2011 and its second one in 2019. The department was accredited by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group in 2014 and has maintained that status ever since. In addition, the department has introduced its Community Hotel Intervention Program, a public health vending machine and overdose action kits to combat the fentanyl crisis, an automated license plate recognition system, and a drone-as-a-first-responder program. Tom Dreier, secretary of the Police and Fire Commission, said Peterson has worked tirelessly to advance the development of the police department. "His servant leadership and expertise extends to the overall effectiveness of the department," Dreier said. "The Town of Grand Chute is a better, safer community due to Chief Greg Peterson and the entire Police Department." Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@ Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DukeBehnke. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson will retire later this year