MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett doubled down and said he wants Chief Alfonso Morales to stay after his contract comes up in January. This is the second time in two weeks he has publicly said he wants Morales to stay.
There were questions earlier about whether the Green Bay police chief could get the position. News/Talk 1130 WISN's The Dan O'Donnell Show reported multiple unnamed sources said the chief was out and Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith was up for the job.
"I have no idea where that came from," said Barrett. "We have never met each other."
Smith took to the Green Bay Police Department's Facebook with similar remarks: "The rumors of me applying or being considered for the Chief of Police in Milwaukee are completely false."
Barrett said he wants to stick with Morales and he has not looked at any other candidates.
"I want him to stay," said Barrett.
Morales issued his own statement saying, "As the current Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department, I am focused on the safety and security of the members of this agency, the citizens we swore to protect and preparing for a successful 2020 Democratic National Convention."
But there is still a question on when Morales will get a new contract. The mayor said that is up to the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.
"I have made it clear and I will continue to make it clear I support him as chief," Barrett said.
