Nearly half of the police force in Big Bend, Wisconsin, resigned on Dec. 28, placing the blame at the feet of village board members.
A few months ago, the village committee chose to disband the police department, but reversed that decision after pressure from local residents, WISN said. report Friday.
In a Dec. 28 social media post, the Big Bend Village Police Department said: announced Five executives reportedly resigned. They were identified as “Deputy Sergeant – 7 years, Officer Schweitzer – 5 years, Officer Henrich – 10 years, Officer Honzelka – 1.5 years, and Officer Sonneberg – 3 years.”
We regret to announce the resignation of the following officers: Deputy Sergeant – 7 years Officer Schweitzer – 5 years…
Contributor Big Bend Village Police Department upon Thursday, December 28, 2023
At the Dec. 7 board meeting, Sone Berg told board members: I'm tired of this village committee's harassment. And all the crap I've dealt with over the years. ”
Mark Andersen, who headed the Fire and Police Commission, also resigned shortly after the incident, citing the village commission.
Andersen said community leaders could have been more united when Big Bend Police Chief Don Gaglione died in October, but that wasn't the case.
He said, “There is a clear division here in the village.''
According to the WPDE article published Tuesday:
The village of Big Bend reportedly voted in September to dissolve its police department to allow the nearby Waukesha County Sheriff's Department to take over police duties in the village. The decision will save the village $250,000 a year, FOX6 News Milwaukee reported.
However, the decision was reportedly met with anger from the community, including the police officers who fought to save the department. Big Bend was soon filled with yard signs expressing support for police.
The paper also noted that Mr. Gaglione died by suicide in October, saying, “Community anger against the board quickly reached a fever pitch, blaming Mr. Gaglione's death on the decision to disband the police department.” Some people did,” he added.
Now, Andersen worries that even if the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office steps in, the area could be left without services.
The National Police Agency reportedly currently has one full-time officer and five part-time officers.
“Several police officers' resignation letters cited the toxic work environment allegedly created by the village board,” Fox 6 reported. report Friday:
In a social media post on Saturday, the National Police Agency said: Said Resident: “The Big Bend Police Department is still here and functioning. There are no plans to close the police department.”
Contributor Big Bend Village Police Department upon Saturday, December 30, 2023
“We will continue to serve and protect the Village of Big Bend. We will continue to provide all the services we have always provided,” the agency concluded.
