Beaver Dam PFC Commission Looking Into Hiring An Attorney

12/9/17 – The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission is exploring the possibility of hiring an attorney that would specifically represent the commission. There is no pending legal action against the commission but PFC Chair Jeff Kohman the move comes highly recommended. Kohman and Police Chief John Kreuziger recently attended a training session through the League of Wisconsin Municipalities where the topic of a police and fire commission having separate legal representation was encouraged. He says the research he did has shown him that there are a ridiculous number of lawsuits against police and fire commissions.

The city has a labor attorney, Steve Zach of the Boardman Law Firm, along with City Attorney Maryann Schacht who also occasionally advises the commission. Kohman says police and fire employee situations are getting to the point where a city attorney or labor attorney must be extremely well versed on the changing laws otherwise, commissioners could get into legal trouble. Schact agrees and also notes that it could lead to a conflict of interest for her. The issue was raised for the first time at this week’s commission meeting and the PFC is expected to further explore the matter after the New Year.