Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission dismisses charges against Chief Thomas Bishop and Lt. Brian Frank

Kewaskum — The Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission on April 3 released a written decision finding that, even if the allegations in the April 3, 2026 charges were proven as stated, any discipline would not reach the level of suspension, reduction in rank or termination, and the commission dismissed the charges against Chief Thomas Bishop and Lt. Brian Frank with prejudice.

A clerk reading the commission’s analysis said the body reviewed motions to dismiss filed by Bishop and Frank and opposition briefs from President Martin. The clerk said the PFC considered the scope and motivation of the underlying investigation and the specific subparts of policy 3.01 cited in the charges, noting that those matters could be explored at a hearing where parties could call and cross‑examine witnesses and submit exhibits.

"Even if the allegations as stated in the charges were proven, it is the collective view of the PFC that under no circumstances would it sustain any discipline action against Chief Bishop or Lieutenant Frank," the clerk read. The commission concluded its review by stating that its statutory limits on imposing discipline meant its analysis ended with dismissal; the decision states the charges are "dismissed with prejudice."

A commission member spoke on behalf of the five‑member panel after the release, saying, "This decision was not made lightly. The five members of this commission are Kewaskum residents and volunteers who take our responsibilities very seriously. We spent considerable time reviewing the briefs and carefully considering our duties under the law before reaching this unanimous decision." The commission noted it reached the decision unanimously.

Commissioners also scheduled a follow‑up meeting for Wednesday the 10th at 4:00 p.m. and requested that Chief Bishop and Village Administrator Getter be present. The motion to set the next meeting carried on a voice vote.

The commission’s statement and the clerk’s reading make clear the panel limited its role to assessing whether the recommended discipline was supported by the alleged facts and by the panel’s statutory powers; the PFC said it lacks authority in the present setting to impose counseling or directives as formal discipline. The commission did not impose any disciplinary measures and dismissed the charges with prejudice.

The commission adjourned after delivering its statement and scheduling the next meeting.