Fire and Police Commission approves promotion of Officer Jason Dearing after public comment and closed-session review

The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission on Feb. 6, 2025, voted to promote Officer Jason Dearing to the rank of sergeant following public comments in support of his candidacy and a closed-session interview with commissioners.

The promotion vote was the result of a renewed motion to approve the promotion. Commissioners Burgos, Evans, Ramey, Snyder, Spence, Spencer and Chair Horowitz all voted aye on the motion, carrying it unanimously.

Commissioners said the commission’s role is to ensure promotions are merit-based and to consider the candidate’s full record, including non-disciplinary corrective actions. Director Leon Todd provided procedural clarification on how the promotion vote was being handled and reiterated that promotional decisions typically follow the eligible list and that the FPC does not “rubber stamp” promotions.

Multiple people addressed the commission during public comment urging reconsideration and approval of Officer Dearing. Theresa (Teresa) Daring, who identified herself as Dearing’s spouse and as a Milwaukee Police Department employee, read a letter from her 9‑year‑old daughter praising her father’s qualities and urging the commission to promote him. Sam Hall, attorney for the Milwaukee Police Association, read a letter from Alex Ayala, president of the Milwaukee Police Association, asserting that Dearing has no formal disciplinary history and citing commendations and the department’s Medal of Valor for his actions in a prior armed-robbery incident. Lisa Kapitz, an MPA board member assigned to District 4, and Officer Anthony Malone, a 14‑year department member, also spoke in favor of the promotion, describing Dearing’s experience, leadership and the respect he commands among peers.

Commission discussion referenced the commission’s stated standards for promotions: ability to interact professionally and honestly; ability to command, direct and discipline; and ability to protect and serve Milwaukee. The chair and other commissioners emphasized that promotional decisions weigh the full record, including non-disciplinary corrective actions, and that only exceptional circumstances would alone justify denying a promotion.

Following the discussion, a commissioner moved to renew the prior motion to promote Officer Dearing and the commission voted on the merits. The motion carried and the chair announced the promotion to sergeant.

The commission recorded the vote in roll-call format with all commissioners voting in the affirmative. No additional conditions or follow-up tasks were recorded in the meeting minutes for this promotion.

Votes and formal motions on the promotion are reflected in the commission’s public file for FPC 211,939.