Sheriff requests extended leave so deputy captain can serve as chief deputy; committee approves

Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball on April 8 asked the County Personnel Committee to extend a leave of absence from the classified position of Deputy Sheriff Captain for an employee currently serving in the unclassified role of inspector and temporarily assigned as chief deputy. The committee recommended the item for adoption, 5-0.

Ball said she appointed Brian Barco, then a deputy sheriff captain on leave, to a temporary assignment as chief deputy to run day-to-day operations; she intends to make that appointment permanent and requested that his classified leave be extended under County Ordinance Chapter 17193, subsections 1 and 2. The item was recommended for adoption on a motion by Supervisor Martin and passed unanimously.

Nut graf: The request formalizes a temporary assignment that the sheriff said is necessary for daily operations; supervisors asked one follow-up about the status of a former chief deputy and shared well-wishes for that employee.

During brief committee discussion, Supervisor Wasserman asked about the health and status of former Chief Deputy Daniel Hughes. Sheriff Ball replied that Hughes has good days and bad days, and later confirmed Hughes had retired. Supervisor Vincent and others expressed support and offered the board’s assistance to Hughes and his family.

The formal committee vote was recorded as: motion by Supervisor Martin to recommend adoption of item number 4; vote 5 ayes, 0 nos.

Ending: The committee approved the leave extension and the sheriff said she will proceed with the planned staffing change.