Police & Fire Commission

Meetings


  • On an as needed basis
  • Next Meeting: May 10, 2021, 10:30AM, virtual via Zoom. Agenda is here.

Agendas & Minutes


Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas and Minutes

Committee Members


  • Steve Brezinski, President
  • Joe Fontaine, Citizen Member
  • Jeffrey Simmons, Citizen Member
  • Tom Stolper, Citizen Member, Secretary
  • Ann Tieman, Citizen Member
  • Contact the members of the PFC

Staff Support
  • Sara Deuman, Interim Chief of Police
  • Jerry McMullen, Fire Chief/EMS Director
  • Bryan Gadow, City Administrator
Responsibilities & Services


Under Wisconsin state law, the Police and Fire Commission has jurisdiction with regard to the hiring, firing, disciplining, or promotion of personnel in the Police and Fire departments.

Police Chief Search 2021


Police Chief Finalist Candidates Announced



On April 29, 2021, the Monona Police and Fire Commission (PFC) announced four (4) finalists candidates for the position of Monona Police Chief. A two finalists withdrew from consideration prior to the May 6th Community Engagement Event. The remaining two (2) selected candidates will interview with the PFC in closed session on May 10th. The finalist candidates are (in alphabetical order):

  • Brian Chaney Austin – Captain of Police – Traffic and Specialized Services for the City of Madison (WI) Police Department since 2018; Lieutenant of Police – Central District from 2016 to 2018; Sergeant of Madison Police Department Gang Unit from 2014 to 2017; Sergeant of Patrol Services from 2010 to 2014; employed by the City of Madison Police Department since 2002; 20 years of police service. Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice, Illinois State University.
  • Sara Deuman – Interim Chief of Police for the City of Monona (WI) Police Department since late 2020; Lieutenant of Detectives since 2008 and School Resource Officer from 2007 to 2008 with the City of Monona Police Department; employed by the City of Monona Police Department since 1997; 24 years of police service experience. Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Police Chief Finalist Engagement Event - Thursday, May 6th 6:30PM



The Monona Police and Fire Commission has narrowed its search for a new Police Chief to 2 finalists. The individual selected will replace Walter Ostrenga, the former Police Chief who retired at the end of 2020. The process to find a new Police Chief began in February and included a community input session and a community feedback survey. The City received 24 applications for the position, and the Police and Fire Commission has narrowed the candidate pool down to 3, who will have final interviews with the Police and Fire Commission in closed session on Monday, May 10th.

The Police and Fire Commission co-hosted a community engagement event with GovHR recruiters and the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership to meet with the selected finalist candidates on May 6th. 

Click here to watch a recording of the May 6th event 

Finally, through this Community Engagement Event, the Police and Fire Commission is asking for your input. Individuals attending the event or those watching later, can provide their comments on the candidates to the Police and Fire Commission at www.mymonona.com/input.

The Police and Fire Commission kindly asks for any feedback or comments on the candidates to be submitted by 5:00pm on Sunday, May 9th.

Monona Police Chief Search - Previously Completed Steps



 The Monona Police and Fire Commission (PFC), a five person citizen committee created under state law, is responsible for the recruitment and appointment of a new Monona Police Chief, following the retirement of former Chief Walter Ostrenga. To assist with this recruitment, the City hired the recruitment consulting firm, GovHR USA. A copy of the position brochure is here. The application period for the position closed on February 22, 2021. A total of 24 applications were received.

The PFC understand the importance of this decision for the community, and invited community stakeholders to provide initial input on the key characteristics, traits, and other items that would help determine those applicants that are best qualified and the best "fit" for the position and community. GovHR assisted with the creation of an online survey for community feedback, which closed February 19, 2021.

A copy of the community survey results is here.

The PFC, GovHR, and the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership also hosted a community listening session to receive input and feedback on qualities for the new Police Chief on February 9, 2021.

A recording of the February 9th community listening session is here.