As many of you know, the Village of Oregon has concluded their investigation of former police chief Doug Pettit.
The investigation remains ongoing by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, to include felony misconduct in public office.
I feel that Village President Steve Staton deserves an enormous amount of credit regarding the leadership and forthrightness he exhibited throughout this matter. Staton did not back down or pretend that something very wrong was not occurring as I experienced with the law enforcement committee in 1993.
I worked with Pettit for nine years. I witnessed his conduct that caused me ethical and legal concerns to the degree that I notified each member of the law enforcement committee.
For the sake of brevity my concerns were ignored. I attempted to solicit support from fellow officers at that time who had approached me previously with their concerns in my capacity as their supervisor.
I am deeply disappointed in the two senior officers, now retired, that cowered down and would not stand next to me when I approached the committee with information.
Now 21 years later, the Village of Oregon has had to contend with similar concerns. You were fortunate to have had Steve Staton as your village president during this situation.
Dean Atkinson
Former Sgt. of the Oregon Police Department