Police & Fire Commission Mission

The Police & Fire Commission (PFC) exists for the benefit of all our citizens, who expect and deserve a high level of public safety.  We oversee the Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services in a fiscally responsible manner.  Our mission is to hire the most qualified personnel and advocate for the best training, equipment and facilities to allow them to carry out their tasks.  The safety of our residents and protection of life and property is our goal.

Duties Under Wis. Stat. 62.13

• Appoint, suspend, or remove the chief of police or chief of fire.
• Approve all appointments made by chiefs, including the promotion of subordinates.
• Approve and control competitive examinations used to judge suitability for appointment of subordinates.
• Approve each list of individuals determined to be eligible for appointment.
• Suspend the chief of a department or subordinates pending the filing and hearing of charges against them.
• Initiate charges against the chief of a department or any subordinates.
• Hear charges filed against the chief of a department or a subordinate, making findings and determinations and impose penalties.
• Hear appeals of disciplinary actions initiated by the chief of a department against any subordinate.

Additional duties and authorities of the Port Washington Police & Fire Commission granted by Optional Powers Under Wis. Stat. 62.13(6):

• Organize and supervise the departments.
• Adopts rules governing the control and management of the departments.
• Contract for and purchase all necessary apparatus and supplies for the use by the police and fire departments, excluding erection of station buildings.
• Audit bills, claims and department expenses before paid by the municipal treasurer.