Juneau County Disciplinary Findings Upheld on Appeal

The Village Board of Kewaskum has filed formal disciplinary charges against Police Chief Thomas Bishop and Lieutenant Bryan Frank following an independent investigation into the department’s hiring practices.

The charges, announced in a statement released on April 3, 2026, allege that Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank failed to follow established procedures and hiring protocols during the employment of a Kewaskum Police Officer.

The investigation was conducted under the guidance of the Village of Kewaskum labor and employment counsel. According to the board, the findings revealed conduct that reflects a level of negligence inconsistent with departmental policies and the professional standards expected of leadership.

Background on the Hiring Process

The disciplinary action stems from the hiring of an officer who had previously been employed with a law enforcement agency in Juneau County during the early 2000s. The Village Board was informed of allegations regarding that officer’s prior tenure.

Records indicate that the matter in Juneau County resulted in disciplinary findings that were upheld on appeal in Juneau County Circuit Court, which ultimately led to the officer’s termination from that agency.

The Village Board stated that the officer’s application to the Kewaskum Police Department did not disclose the reason for the conclusion of his prior employment in Juneau County.

The independent investigation focused on whether the department leadership fulfilled its responsibilities under established vetting and hiring procedures and whether appropriate due diligence was conducted before the officer was hired.

The findings support the Kewaskum Board’s determination that the hiring process did not meet the standards expected and was not in the best interest of the department or the community.

Statement released by Kewaskum Village Board

Current Status and Next Steps

The formal charges have been filed with the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission. The officer involved in the hiring process remains on paid administrative leave while the next steps in the process are determined.

The Village Board is seeking disciplinary action against Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank based on the conclusion that the vetting process failed to meet professional and departmental standards.