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By Joanna Putman
Police1
BIG BEND, Wis. — Half of the Big Bend Police Department has resigned following the death of the department’s chief, NBC Montana reported.
The Big Bend Village Board voted to disband the police department in September, according to the report, opting instead to allow the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office to take over policing of the area. The decision drew criticism from officers serving the department as well as the public.
Police Chief Don Gaglione died by suicide the next month, according to the report. His death spurred community support for the department. Some community members even voiced opinions that Gaglione’s death was caused, in part, by the decision to shut down the department.
In November, the board and the town’s finance committee met and agreed to fund the department until the end of 2024.
To many officers, however, the damage had been done.
“I am tired of the harassment of this village board and all the crap I’ve been dealing with throughout the years,” officer Jamie Soneberg yelled at board members during a December meeting, according to the report.
Five officers have resigned, representing about half of the police force.
The Big Bend Police Department stated via Facebook that it would continue to operate throughout the budgeted period.
“Please be assured that when you dial 911, a police officer will respond,” the department stated. “There are still dedicated officers here and there will be an Officer in Charge to help lead the department forward in the new year. We will continue to serve and protect the Village of Big Bend.”