KENOSHA — Kenosha Police Chief, Daniel Miskinis, has announced that after 25 with the department he'll be retiring in a little more than two months.
"We are going to miss his leadership for quite a long time," said Kenosha Common Council President, David Bogdala.
In a recent email, Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis announced that after more than two decades, he's decided to retire from the department at the end of April.
He also wrote that the department is, "Full of dedicated, talented, and service-minded people. And that it's a department to be proud of and one I will miss."
"We are going to miss his leadership for quite a long time," said Bogdala.
For some, Miskinis' retirement didn't come as a surprise. Back in August The American Civil Liberties Union, along with a number of other organizations, had called for the immediate resignation of Miskinis for his response to the protests following the Jacob Blake shooting, which ultimately led to the death of two protestors.
"I hold police chief there in Kenosha, the sheriff in Kenosha, and also whoever was in charge of the national guard when they were in Kenosha. I hold all of them accountable," said Ryan Hamann, district organizer for the Wisconsin District of Freedom Roads Socialist Organization.
In a statement regarding Miskinis' announcement, Kenosha city administrator, John Morrissey said, "The last six months have been extremely stressful, including having an officer shot on duty, the officer-involved shooting and the death of a sergeant. However, he remained steadfast in his dedication and leadership."
"I saw the man up front. Up close and personal. And I saw his dedication, I saw his professionalism, I saw him wanting to do the right things, "said Bogdala.
Miskinis' announcement comes just two weeks after Wauwatosa's police chief, Barry Weber, announced that he would be retiring in June. Weber had also dealt with his fair share of scrutiny following the fatal shootings of three men by former police officer Joseph Mensah over the past three years.
"Until the community is in control of the police, we're not going to see genuine change, said Co-Chair forthe Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression, Omar Flores.
The Kenosha police and fire commission will be on the search to find their next police chief. Until then, the deputy chief will be stepping into the position.
