Neillsville Police Department Receives Certificate of Commendation and Expression of Appreciation

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 -- 1:49 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.

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."  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.”

It’s not clear if this resolution was put on the agenda besides the above mentioned reason.  A Police and Fire Commission meeting was held Monday evening and the only item on the agenda was a closed session item discussing alleged complaints against the Police Chief during his probationary period.

The minutes to the Police and Fire Commission meeting and Tuesday’s City Council meeting were not immediately available.  We’ll provide an update on the city council meeting when the minutes are available.

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