Police & Fire Commission

1 City of Plymouth Police and Fire Commission Meeting Tuesday, June 3, 2025 @ 8:30 A.M. Room 210 Plymouth City Hall, 128 Smith Street, Plymouth, WI 53073 Members Present: President Mark Melcher, Vice President James Flanagan, Secretary Warren Wieser, Gary Rooker, Tim Lemkuil, Police Chief Ken Ruggles, and Fire Chief Ryan Pafford. President Mark Melcher, called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. in Room 210 @ City Hall, located at 128 Smith Street, Plymouth, Wisconsin. Election of Officers: President, Mark Melcher asked for President nominations. A motion made by Warren Wieser and second by Tim Lemkuil to nominate Mark Melcher for President. Motion carried President, Mark Melcher asked for Vice-President nominations. A motion made by Warren Wieser and second by Gary Rooker to nominate James Flanagan for Vice- President. Motion carried President, Mark Melcher asked for Secretary nominations. A motion made by Tim Lemkuil and second by James Flanagan to nominate Warren Wieser for Secretary. Motion carried Consideration and approval of May 6, 2025, minutes: A motion made by James Flanagan and second by Tim Lemkuil to approve the Police and Fire Commission meeting minutes of May 6, 2025. Motion carried. Review Citizen Complaint – Jonathan Woodward Concerns: President, Mark Melcher, had emailed commission members recommended changes to CITY OF PLYMOUTH POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT COMPLAINT STATEMENT FORM. This complaint form is Appendix A to Plymouth Police and Fire Commission By-Laws. The recommended changes were developed by Attorney Jonathan Woodward. After discussion, a motion by Warren Wieser and second by James Flanagan to give preliminary approval as presented. Motion carried. President Mark Melcher will make the recommended changes and email the revised Appendix A to Commission Members, Police Department, and Fire Department.  2 Plymouth Fire Department Report by Fire Chief Ryan Pafford: 1 – Fire Chief Pafford reported, eight members of Plymouth Fire Department completed their driver operator aerial training. This included Assistant Chief Jason McCoy. 2 – Fire Chief Pafford reported that, several Fire Department personnel completed additional required fire department training. 3 - Fire Chief Pafford reported that he received a signed conditional offer from Amber Schisler. He has not received a response from Zach Schuh. 4– Fire Chief Pafford reported that public safety night will be held at McDonald’s. Plymouth Fire Department and Plymouth Police Department personnel will be attending. 5 – Fire Chief Pafford reported money has been raised to purchase a new Life Tech 15 defibrillator. This will be the second owned by Plymouth Fire Department. Plymouth Police Department Report by Police Chief Ken Ruggles: 1– Police Chief Ruggles reported that Masonic Lodge has donated a Fire Suppression Unit and an A & D life pack. 2- Police Chief Ruggles reported the new K-9 vehicle has arrived. This new vehicle will be delivered to a vendor who will install police communication and K-9 equipment. This new vehicle will replace the oldest K-9 vehicle. 3– Police Chief Ruggles reported that Motorola training staff will spend a full day with key police department personnel and answer any questions or concerns. This training is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 4– Police Chief Ruggles reported that Plymouth Police Department will train Plymouth School System Administration staff using ALICE. ALICE is used countrywide to train schools on how to deal with active shooter response or lock-down situations. The same training course for schoolteachers will be scheduled in fall as part of an in-service day. 5- Police Chief Ruggles reported that Plymouth Police Department has received the Gold Award for policy maintenance and training. The award was presented by Lexipol. 6– Plymouth Police officer Justin Vorpagel has become of a member of the Sheboygan County Investigation Unit. His participation has raised some questions about liability. Police Chief Ruggles is in the process of clarifying  3 some of his concerns. This will be a written document between the city and county. 7– Police Chief Ruggles reported that Plymouth Police Department has obtained a confession from the person who set fire to materials outside of 52 Stafford. He complimented his staff for reviewing various camera footage in the 52 Stafford area. Their research led them to a vehicle in the area and ultimately the person setting the fire. 8– Police Chief Ruggles reported several thefts from unlocked vehicles in South Hills. Similar thefts occurred in Kiel and Sheboygan Falls. 9– Police Chief Ruggles reported that Deputy Police Chief Starker is in his last week of Command Training Class and will graduate on June 6, 2025. This is a significant accomplishment. Entertain a Motion to go into Closed Session: A motion Warren Wieser and second by James Flanagan to go into closed session. Motion Carried. Move to Open Session: A motion James Flanagan and second by Tim Lemkuil to promote Shane M. Adam to Plymouth Fire Department Lieutenant. Motion Carried. This promotion is replacing Lieutenant Holzman. No further action, motion for adjournment at 9:11 A.M. Motion by Warren Wieser and second by Gary Rooker. Motion carried. Submitted on the third of June 2025. Warren Wieser--- Secretary