Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Regular Meeting – June 4, 2026

The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) held its regular session on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:18 p.m. in City Hall, Room 301‑A. Chair Miriam Horwitz presided. Commissioners Bree Spencer and LaNelle Ramey were excused. The meeting included public comment, consent agenda approvals, examination approvals, new business on a proposed ordinance for policy review, communications from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) on community policing and SOP changes, and numerous promotions and reappointments across the Department of Emergency Communications, Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD), and MPD. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kaye Lafond (independent journalist) presented findings from an investigative story on MPD’s relationship with Lockheed Martin/Durko Aerospace. She stated that in 2025, MPD and Lockheed Martin exchanged over 150 emails focusing on anti‑war protesters, that MPD employees exchanged gifts with Lockheed Martin employees, and that the relationship appeared “cozy” and disturbing. She expressed feeling unsafe and called for a policy limiting police fraternization with corporations. She provided a link to her published story.

Consent Calendar

• FPC212551 – Resolution approving the May 21, 2026 meeting minutes. Adopted by general consent.
• FPC212552 – Resolution appointing a Forensic Print Examiner I within MPD. Adopted by general consent.
• FPC212553 – Resolution approving the Emergency Vehicle Mechanic 3 eligible list for MFD. Adopted by general consent.

Examinations

• FPC212554 – Resolution approving the Fire Captain Job Announcement Bulletin for MFD. Commissioner Snyder moved, Commissioner Spence seconded. Adopted 7‑0 (Horwitz, Spence, World‑Patterson, Burgos, Evans, Snyder, Fung aye; Ramey and Spencer excused). The bulletin now includes community service preference points effective June 1, 2026.
• FPC212555 – Resolution approving the Fire Lieutenant Job Announcement Bulletin for MFD. Commissioner Burgos moved, Commissioner Evans seconded. Adopted 7‑0 (same vote). Also includes community service preference points.

New Business

• FPC212556 – Resolution relating to FPC recommendation concerning Common Council File No. 252109, an ordinance on review of proposed changes to standard operating procedures/instructions. Executive Director Leon Todd explained the ordinance would require Common Council to refer policy changes to the FPC for a recommendation (e.g., 60 days), then allow the department a reasonable time to respond. Commissioners debated whether the FPC recommendation should go to the department first or simultaneously to both the department and Common Council. Chair Horwitz moved that the FPC recommend a 10‑day department review period before the matter goes to Common Council. Commissioner Spence seconded. Adopted 6‑0‑1 (Horwitz, Spence, World‑Patterson, Burgos, Evans, Snyder aye; Fung abstained; Ramey and Spencer excused). Commissioner Fung abstained, stating she did not agree with an additional built‑in time period given the existing legislative timeline.

Communications from MPD

• FPC212557 – MPD’s 2025 Community and Problem‑Oriented Policing (CPOP) Review. Chief of Staff Heatherhoff presented the report, highlighting trust‑building, community engagement, and examples like Summer Guardian, VR FAST, and the bike theft initiative. Commissioners discussed the need for better tracking of CPOP efforts, documentation, and potential external evaluation. The communication was placed on file without a vote.
• FPC212558 – Recent changes to MPD Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Operating Instructions (SOIs). Changes were made to SOP 080 (Family Medical Leave Act and other leaves), SOP 150 (Court Procedures), SOP 200 (Project Management), and SOP 267 (Budget and Finance). The communication was placed on file without a vote.

Department of Emergency Communications

• FPC212559 – Promotion of Victoria Skelton to Emergency Communications Officer II (retroactive to May 24, 2026). Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212560 – Extension of probationary period for an Emergency Communications Officer II (two‑month extension due to time off duty). Adopted by voice vote, all aye.

Fire Department Promotions

• FPC212561 – Promotion of Battalion Chief Jeremy Starr to Deputy Fire Chief. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212562 – Promotion of Captain Kristen Hep to Battalion Fire Chief. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212563 – Promotion of Patrick Hensel to Fire Captain. Adopted 7‑0.

Police Department Promotions & Reappointment

• FPC212564 – Promotion of Inspector Paul Lau to Assistant Chief of Police. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212565 – Promotions of Captains Liam Looney, James Hutchinson, and Andrew Tisher to Inspector of Police. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212566 – Promotions of Lieutenants Jasmine Arce, Benjamin Kenneth, and Eileen Ross to Captain of Police. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212567 – Promotion without examination of April Muandu to Police Human Resources Administrator. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212568 – Promotion without examination of Sean Ku Mays to Media Producer. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212569 – Promotion of Amber Anderson to HVAC Maintenance Technician 3. Adopted 7‑0.
• FPC212570 – Reappointment of a former Recruit Officer to the next academy class starting August 3, 2026. Adopted by voice vote, all aye.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items adopted without objection.
• Fire Captain and Lieutenant job bulletins approved with community service preference points.
• FPC recommended a 10‑day department review period for policy changes under the proposed ordinance (vote 6‑0‑1).
• MPD CPOP review and SOP changes placed on file.
• All 12 promotions and one reappointment approved unanimously (7‑0 or voice vote).
• Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.