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Muskego Police Chief reports officer death, staffing, fundraising and files retirement paperwork
Summary
The police chief told the Muskego City Police and Fire Commission the department is grieving the sudden death of Captain Symunchuk, recounted recent public-safety deployments and fundraisers, announced recruitment and an investigator posting, and said he has filed retirement paperwork with an anticipated spring 2025 departure.
Police Chief told the Muskego City Police and Fire Commission on the evening’s agenda that the department has faced "a challenging couple of weeks and months," and announced the sudden death of Captain Symunchuk, noting the captain was honored at National Night Out and remembered by colleagues and family.
The chief said the department ran 24-hour operations and served on a suburban critical-incident team during the Republican National Convention, but reported "no injuries, no issues, nothing significant to report," and said the city will seek federal reimbursement for RNC-related costs. He said two officers, Tuchel and Joaquin, started at the police academy about a week and a half earlier and are training at WCTC.
The chief highlighted community fundraising and events that support police and fire programs, saying private donations and volunteer groups have provided substantial help beyond the city budget. He cited one example of a roughly $6,000 check raised at a recent event and described upcoming activities including a PNI fundraiser, Dandelion Days, a 5K beginning at the dog park, and a pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge.
The chief also said the department will post an investigator position and expects to fill it in January 2025, pending the hiring process. He described an award given to Officer Cartesi for crisis-deescalation work and noted family members were present for the surprise recognition.
On personnel matters, the chief said he has submitted retirement paperwork to Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs offices and has requested an April-to-May 2025 retirement date, while acknowledging final processing depends on federal agencies. He added brief personal remarks about family connections to the Air Force Academy and preparations for a child starting college.
The report included opportunities for questions from the commission but no formal policy decisions or votes followed from the chief’s presentation. The commission moved on to other agenda business, including a motion to convene a closed session later in the meeting.
