Police & Fire Commission ratifies permanent appointments for three probationary officers

The New Berlin Police & Fire Commission on Nov. 18 unanimously approved a recommendation from Police Chief Jeff Hingiss to end the probationary periods for three police officers and make their appointments permanent, effective Dec. 3, 2025.

The meeting, held at the Public Safety Building, began at 1:00 p.m. and included a roll call confirming Commissioners Lanser, Palechek, Piontek, Buer and O'Donnell were present. Fire Chief Mark Polzin and Police Chief Jeff Hingiss were listed as staff in attendance.

Commissioner Palechek moved to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment and performance-evaluation data of public employees; Commissioner O'Donnell seconded and the motion passed, 5-0. The commission reconvened to open session at 1:27 p.m., again on a Palechek motion seconded by Commissioner Buer, with a 5-0 vote.

Following the closed session, the commission considered Chief Hingiss’ recommendations to remove Officers Nicholas Hartung, Dillon Kelley and Miladin Stojanovic from probationary status and make their appointments permanent. Commissioner Lanser moved to approve the recommendation; Commissioner O'Donnell seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0. The appointments are effective Dec. 3, 2025.

Earlier in the meeting Commissioners had approved the Oct. 21, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Commissioner Palechek, second by Commissioner Lanser; vote 5-0). No communications or bills required action and there was no old or new business noted on the agenda. The commission adjourned at 1:30 p.m. on a motion by Commissioner Palechek, seconded by Commissioner Buer, passed 5-0.

The action taken is administrative personnel confirmation at the commission level; there were no fiscal appropriations, policy changes or contested votes recorded in the minutes.