Supervisor says it has been ‘overwhelmingly positive’
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff writer
Almost three months have passed since the Town of Burlington switched its police services from in-house to a contract with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.
And according to the sheriff’s deputy who showed up at last week’s Town Board meeting on Dec. 8, those three months have gone smoothly.
Deputy Bill Mattke came to the meeting last week and presented what will be a monthly call summary.
Mattke also reported on the transition from the town police being a separate entity to the town police becoming members of the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.
“The transition went extremely well,” Mattke said. “I knew it would go well, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went.”
Mattke said that the training officers for the seven town police officers that made the switch gave glowing reports.
“They’re all very motivated,” Mattke said. “I think they’re all very happy with their current position.”
Those seven officers have chosen their shifts for 2012 – with most going to third shift, and a few to first and second shift – and are waiting on assignments.
“Some are looking forward to coming back to the town,” Mattke said. “Others are looking forward to expanding their horizons.”
The Town Board also approved the contract for Police Chief Mike Sevick the same evening. Sevick is now serving as the liaison between the Town of Burlington and the sheriff’s department.
Town Board Supervisor Tyson Fettes said that the contract resembles his current contract.
“Basically, there are some wording changes put in place, because the old contract that was put into place was in line with the union contract with the officers,” said Fettes. He added that the wages are similar to the schedule all town employees are on, and Sevick is paying his pension contribution.
Fettes said he has heard a lot of positive comments about the switch so far.
“The response I’ve heard from my constituents has been very overwhelmingly positive,” Fettes said. “I give a lot of credit to Chief Sevick in this time of transition.
“He’s done a great job working with the sheriff’s department. He’s done a very good job of directing the policing mission.”
Town Administrator Diane Baumeister confirmed the contract changes due to the non-union wording, and that Sevick’s wage for 2012 would be $67,600.
-
-
-
-
-
Great Job Sheriff’s Department and Great Job Town Board. Better service and a better price…can’t beat that!
The sheriff deputies do not have defibulators! Town police (in almost all 9-1-1 rescue calls arrive on scene first) were trained and certified to operate the town squad defibulators and utilized them many times, saving lives. Town citizen should make sure they are up to date with their CPR skills because when 9-1-1 is called you will most likely receive instructions from the county Communications Dispatch Center that is no longer affiliated with the sheriff’s department. Do you still like the price?
Mr. Osso, it would be nice if you got your facts straight. Either your ignorant or a simple liar.
First, the when town citizens call 911 their call is and has always been answered by the County communications center.
Secondly, all of the Sheriff’s deputies carry and are trained in the use of defibrillators.