June 8, 2026 – Kewaskum, WI – Following 1 hour and 23 minute closed session the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission issued a 19-page statement of findings Monday afternoon during a packed meeting at Village Hall. The PFC concluded a motion to dismiss with predjudice in connection with charges against Police Chief Tom Bishop and Lt. Bryan Frank. The final vote was 5-0, with Commissioners Harrison Townsend, Jeffrey Rohrer, Larry Martin, Jim Geiger and Chairperson Laatsch all voting in favor to dismiss with prejudice.
The decision was tied to charges by Village President Michael Martin who requested disciplinary action/dismissal of Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank for their part in hiring officer Jeremy Haske who faced misconduct allegations more than 15 years ago.
After the commission returned to open session, PFC President Aaron Laatsch read a prepared statement. Those details are below.
The Village of Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission received motions to dismiss the April 3, 2026 charges from Chief Thomas Bishop and Lieutenant Bryan Frank.
The PFC also received briefs in opposition to the motions to dismiss from President Martin.
While Chief Bishop and Lieutenant Frank spent a considerable amount of time focusing on the process of the investigation that preceded the filing of the charges and then the lack of precision in the charges.
Any questions relating to the scope of the investigation, the motivation behind the investigation, and the specific sub parts of policy 3.01 that were allegedly violated could be addressed at a hearing where all parties would be able to call witnesses, cross-examine opposing witnesses, and submit exhibits for the record.
However, President Martin ignores a key inherent authority of the PFC. A police and fire commission can find even if the allegations were proven as stated in the charges, discipline would not reach the level of suspension, reduction in rank or termination.
In reviewing the charges, 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.
This is not a mere technicality.
The PFC has the authority to review charges prior to a hearing and even assuming every fact in the charges is true, determine that the suggested reprimand, which in the case of Chief Bishop could indeed be career killing in the case of Lieutenant Frank prevent him from advancing in his career in a significant way, simply does not meet the alleged failures in performance.
Even if the PFC wished to impose counseling or directive to improve processes or procedures, it does not have the authority to do so in the present setting.
The PFC is statutoily limited in its authority to impose discipline.
To be clear, it may be prudent for the village, the department, and the PFC to discuss ways to improve the background investigation process for applicants and the methods and processes by which those findings are communicated among the three.
However, because the PSC is finding that even if the charges against Chief Bishop and Lieutenant Frank were proven true, it would not impose any discipline, the PFC’s analysis must end here. The charges are therefore dismissed with prejudice.”
Another meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 4 p.m. The meeting with include Chief Bishop and the Village Administrator.
This decision was not made lightly. The five members of this commission are Kiwas 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.
While this matter has been difficult for everyone involved, our focus has been on making a fair and impartial decision based on the facts before us.
As we move forward, we hope to do so together while working with our village board, the administrator, and our police department toward what is best for the village of Kewaskum and the residents we all serve. Thank you.”
A decision on the return of Officer Jeremy Haske has yet to be determined and is expected to be the topic of Wednesday’s meeting.
On April 29, 2026 Chief Bishop issued a statment to the President of the Police and Fire Commission.
“I respectfully submit this request for the Commission’s consideration ot return Sergeant Haske to active duty at the earlies practical date, prefereably by May 8, 2026.”
Prior to the start of the afternoon PFC meeting, Village president Adam Gitter distributed a 2-page signed note requesting “immediate guidance and recommendation regarding Sergeant Haske’s return to active duty.”
After the decision the attorney for Chief Bishop issued a statement:
“Statement on Behalf of Chief Tom Bishop Chief Tom Bishop is pleased with the Police and Fire Commission’s decision dismissing all charges against him. The Commission’s decision fully vindicates Chief Bishop and confirms that the allegations against him by Fuzz Martin were unfounded. Chief Bishop is grateful for the support he has received throughout this process and looks forward to continuing his service to the community as Chief of the Kewaskum Police Department. For more than 18 years, he has dedicated himself to protecting the residents of Kewaskum and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and public service. As the community moves forward, Chief Bishop remains fully committed to working collaboratively with the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission, the Village Board of the Village of Kewaskum, Department personnel, and community stakeholders to ensure the continued delivery of the highest quality law enforcement services to the residents of the Village of Kewaskum. “My focus has always been, and will continue to be, serving the residents of Kewaskum, supporting the dedicated men and women of the Police Department, and working together to maintain the trust and confidence of the community,” Chief Bishop said. Chief Bishop looks forward to putting this matter behind him and continuing his commendable career serving the citizens of Kewaskum.”
Village President Michael Martin said, “While I accept the decision of the PFC, I don’t believe it takes into account the severity of the issues that brought us to this point. But, that decision has been made and I respect that.”
Martin said the disappointment he has is the PFC didn’t even hear evidence. Questioned why the Village attorney did not present the severe issues in his briefs, Martin said, “There is still evidence we have not been able to get access to because the order was not filed to allow us to see some of the evidence to confirm what we found. Why he didn’t put it in there… I’m not an attorney.”
Questioned how the Village would mend fences with Kewaskum PD, Martin said, “Having some time to process this and taking steps back to determine the next steps forward. Building a bridge happens from both sides… I do want to see some of the practices in hiring change to make sure our community stays safe.”
Former Village Board President David Spenner was asked about his thoughts regarding the PFC decision. “Well, I’m very pleased to see the results of the decisions. I think that was a right decision in the sense that the expense involved in the charges were way excessive, clearly didn’t allow the chief the prerogative to exercise his discretion as typically a police chief would have. Perhaps it might feel come to different conclusions than what the chief had, but it certainly is right to do so. and I support him and I’m glad that he’s going to stay on him and the lieutenant both uh with the Kewaskum Police Department uh providing us as a resident good service.”
On a side note:
-There are indications both Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank will ask the Village to cover their attorney bills. There was no clear answer from Village administration on how that will be handled.
-Overall cost to the taxpayers for this 4-month process have also yet to be disclosed including the cost of attorney for the PFC, the Village Board, the cost of the marketing firm Mueller Communications, what Officer Haske was paid while on administrative leave, how much overtime police had to pay to cover
-Four months ago at the start of the case between the Village and the police, Martin confirmed he asked Chief Bishop to resign.
This is a working story and more information will be posted when details are available.
June 8, 2026 – Village of Kewaskum, Wi – The agenda for the next Kewaskum Police & Fire Commission meeting regarding charges by Village President Michael ‘Fuzz’ Martin against Kewaskum Police Chief Tom Bishop and Lt. Bryan Frank has been released. Details of the Monday, June 8, 2026 meeting at 4 p.m. are below. Also below is another unsigned statement from the Kewaskum Village Board regarding the charges, followed by 13 pages from an open records request by Bishop’s attorney Robert M. Mihelich. All are printed with permission.
During Monday’s meeting the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission will announce a decision regarding motions to dismiss disciplinary charges against Kewaskum Police Chief Tom Bishop and Lt. Bryan Frank.
Below is a 2-page statement issued by the Kewaskum Village Board, however the statement is not signed by anyone from the Village Board. There is no date on the statement, however it was posted to the Village website on April 3, 2026.
Click arrow in the lower left corner to advance the page.
Below is a 13-page open records response from Village attorney Ronald Stadler to Chief Bishop’s attorney Robert M. Mihelich.
Click arrow in the lower left corner to advance the page.
Calls have been placed to Village board members and the Village president regaring the above ORR statements and Monday’s upcoming meeting.
Early word is, once the Police & Fire Commission issue their decision, it is final and does not have to be voted on by the Village Board.
The future of Officer Jeremy Haske, who is currently on paid administrative leave, is not part of Monday’s agenda.
This is a working story and more information will be posted when details are available.
June 3, 2026 – Village of Kewaskum, Wi – After more than three hours in closed session Tuesday afternoon, the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission returned to open session and announced that a decision regarding motions to dismiss disciplinary charges against Kewaskum Police Chief Tom Bishop and Lt. Bryan Frank would be issued at a later date.
The five-member commission had spent the afternoon reviewing briefs submitted by Bishop and Frank, along with emergency motions seeking dismissal of all charges filed against them.
Upon returning to open session, Commission Chairperson Aaron Laatsch made a brief statement.
“A decision has been made on the motions to dismiss and is forthcoming,” Laatsch said.
The commission subsequently voted unanimously to schedule a special meeting for Monday, June 9, at 4 p.m., when the final decision on both motions to dismiss will be announced.
The vote passed 5-0, with Commissioners Harrison Townsend, Jeffrey Rohrer, Larry Martin, Jim Geiger and Chairperson Laatsch all voting in favor. After the vote the date was corrected to Monday, June 8, 2026.
The commission also voted unanimously to postpone previously scheduled disciplinary hearings involving Bishop and Frank. The hearings had been scheduled for June 16 and 17 for Chief Bishop and June 24 for Lt. Frank.
The case stems from allegations brought forward by Kewaskum Village Board President Michael Martin, who is seeking disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, against Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank. The allegations center on the hiring of Officer Jeremy Haske, who reportedly faced misconduct allegations more than 15 years ago prior to joining the Kewaskum Police Department. Officer Haske has been on paid-administrative leave since February 2026.
After the meeting none of the board members agreed to comment. Chief Bishop also declined comment.
There were about a dozen people who stayed in the board chambers the entire closed session from when the Police and Fire Commission convened about 4:08 p.m. until it returned at 7:36 p.m.
Some of those in attendence included Village Board member Dick Knoebel and former Village Board President Dave Spenner.
Questioned about why the delay until Monday, June 8, the best guess among those in attendance was that attorneys would have to draft language tied to the final decision.
Below are previous articles and briefs tied to the case.
This is a working story and more information will be posted when details are available.
May 30, 2026 – Village of Kewaskum, Wi – The Police and Fire Commission in the Village of Kewaskum called to order a meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. As of 5:37 p.m. the commission was still in closed session. The agenda is posted below as the commission will “specifically, to be discussed are the briefs from Chief Bishop’s, Lt. Frank’s and Village’s attorneys regarding charges and emergency dismissal.”
A statement may be issued this evening. This is a working story and more information will be posted when details are available.
History of the case and the a recent brief from Chief Tom Bishop are below. Advance page in the 5-page brief by clicking the page number in the lower-left corner. Briefs courtesy Bishop’s attorney Robert M. Mihelich.
May 22, 2026 – Village of Kewaskum, WI – Briefs have been filed by attorneys representing the parites involved in a current case where Kewaskum Village Board President Michael Martin is requesting disciplinary action/dismissal of Kewaskum Police Chief Tom Bishop and Lt. Bryan Frank for their part in hiring officer Jeremy Haske who faced misconduct allegations more than 15 years ago.
A request was made to the Village clerk this week for copies of the briefs. There was no response. The briefs below are courtesy attorney
The first two briefs were filed by Bishop’s attorney Robert M. Mihelich, who asked for all charges to be dismissed. Briefs are posted below.
Click the arrow in the lower left corner to advance the 13 pages.
Click the arrow in the lower left corner to advance the 8 pages.
On Wednesday evening the attorney representing Village of Kewaskum President Michael Martin filed its brief. See the 12-page brief below.
Click the arrow in the lower left corner to advance the 12 pages.
On a side note:
-An initial statement was released in April to set the calendar for the upcoming hearings.
-On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Kevin Scheunemann sent an email to Kewaskum Village clerk Tammy Butz. The email was titled: TID Joint Review Board. “I am submitting my resignation effective immediately.”
During an interview Scheunemann said his resignation was tied to “absolute ridiculous behavior on the Village President’s part” regarding disparaging statements made on social media. The social media post being referenced appears as part of the second brief above filed by attorney Robert M. Mihelich.
-A call to Village President Michael ‘Fuzz’ Martin to question Scheunemann’s statement, Martin confirmed he wrote the post on social media but preferred to not comment on the situation. Questioned whether the comment was removed from social media, Martin said he had no comment. Questioned whether Martin asked for 10 years of Chief Bishop’s work history, Martin said he would not comment on an ongoing investigation.
-The evidentiary hearing before the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission for Chief Bishop is June 16 and June 17.
-The evidentiary hearing before the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission for Lt. Frank is June 22, 2026.
-Officer Haske is currently on paid administrative leave. No charges have been filed against Haske.
-A request was made to the Village of Kewaskum clerk this week for copies of the briefs. There was no response. The briefs in this article are courtesy attorney Mihelich.
-Below is a list of the people on the Kewaskum Police & Fire Commission
