Sheriff Gives Green Light to Upgrade Police in Sussex

Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki is working with the Sussex Village Board to upgrade the village’s top police officer from a lieutenant to a captain, a promotion that will cost the village roughly $13,000.

Trawicki attended Tuesday night's Village Board meeting to show support for the plan and address any questions. 

The reason behind the upgrade is to reduce turnover with the position in Sussex. When a lieutenant wants to move through the ranks, the village loses an important part of its law enforcement. Trawicki agrees that the upgrade would mean more longevity and fewer turnovers.

“I don’t want to speak on behalf of the village, but I think I will when I say both of our objectives is to have a person who will stay in the position for a longer period of time,” Trawicki said. “Unfortunately, when I give (Sussex) the best lieutenant, they do the best and move on down the line toward becoming a captain.”

This happened most recently when was promoted to a captain’s position with Waukesha County in January. Sussex’s newest lieutenant, Torin Misko, not long after, and Village Board members are determined to keep him.

“Torin is working out really, really well,” Trawicki said. “I’m really proud of Torin. He does a really good job. I think you know by now that I’m really committed to giving you the best possible staff. This is a really important contract.”

The board agreed Misko is doing an outstanding job and hinted that he would be receiving the promotion when it’s officially approved. Trawicki is also looking into splitting the $13,000 price tag associated with upgrade with the Village of Merton, but the details still need to be confirmed.

Village Administrator Jeremy Smith says the board will most likely discuss the promotion further during the budgeting process this fall. The upgrade is planned for around June 2013.