Neillsville City Council and Residents Support New Police Chief and Neillsville Police Department

Thursday, December 24th, 2020 -- 12:00 PM

The Neillsville Police Chief, Jim Mankowski, accepted a Certificate of Commendation and Expression of Appreciation to the Neillsville Police Department, its Officers and Staff, and the Chief himself.

According to a press release, one of the items on the City Council’s agenda on Tuesday evening was a resolution regarding their services, especially in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The resolution was signed, December 22nd by the entire council, and they all expressed their support of the item, including Alderperson Julie Counsell, Alderperson John Perrine, Alderperson Dave Harnisch, Alderperson Dan Clough, and Alderperson Joe Neville.  

The agenda item for the commendation was placed on the city agenda by Alderperson Counsell, who stated that "Our police department and Chief Mankowski should be recognized for their outstanding service during this difficult year."

Aldermen Neville thanked Counsell for putting this on the agenda stating “we must continue to support the Chief and his officers. We know the problems we have had and it is important everyone gets due process.”

The full commendation reads: 

“Whereas, 2020 has presented difficulties in the form of Covid-19 virus response, exposure and illness; and, 

Whereas, 2020 has presented difficulties in staffing levels to the City of Neillsville Police Department due to officer resignations and turnover; and, 

Whereas, 2020 has stretched the resources and staff of the City of Neillsville Police Department to extreme limits; 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT DECLARED That the City of Neillsville Common Council does hereby express its appreciation to the City of Neillsville Police Department and commend its officers and staff for their extraordinary and heroic efforts in meeting the ongoing needs of all City of Neillsville Residents and Businesses in the face of Covid-19 adversity and other difficulties of 2020; and, 

BE IT FURTHER DECLARED That the City of Neillsville Common Council does hereby express it appreciation to City of Neillsville Police Chief James Mankowski for his exceptional leadership, skills and devotion to duty in managing the City of Neillsville Police Department to benefit all City of Neillsville Residents and Businesses in the face of Covid-19 adversity and other difficulties of 2020.”

This seemed to come about due to a Police and Fire Commission meeting held on Monday, mainly in closed session, in regard to alleged complaints against the Police Chief and his probationary period.  Sixteen people showed up to the meeting with all of them in support of the Chief.

Neillsville’s former Public Works Director, Dave Flynn, stated that “he is glad to see Chief of Police Mankowski is being recognized with a ‘Certificate of Commendation and Expression of  Appreciation’. It is good to see credit given, where credit is due, it takes a lot to gain the respect of the general public.”

One resident stated that “she appreciates what the police do and that the impact of Chief Mankowski is felt. She asked, “Why do ex-officers get their complaints heard, but nothing is done for others?  What is the process for filing a claim?”

Jon Counsell, retired Clark County Judge, stated that the comments heard at Tuesday’s City Council meeting are reflective of what was said at Monday’s Police and Fire Commission meeting.

The most interesting part, he said, “is the expression of change for the better under Chief Mankowski and his officers. Past officers brought fear of retaliation and intimidation. Under Chief Mankowski, you hear the terms friendly, willing to work with people, he gets the job done without being mean.  With people now coming forward about their fears of the past, it should tell how much has changed for the better and will continue forward under Chief Mankowski. Chief  Mankowski’s outreach and connection with the community proves it.”

Another citizen stated “Monday’s Police and Fire Commission meeting included a very diverse group of citizens in support of Chief Mankowski. Mankowski has engaged our community, officers walk about, they get to know people, and people get to know them, they are not afraid of each other, and that is important.”

Finally, Council Member Harnisch stated that he was not comfortable in attending the Police and Fire Commission meeting, because of the COVID-19 virus, but he is in support of Chief Mankowski.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.