BHPD - Press Releases

Brodhead Police to join Booze and Belts traffic safety mobilization - 12/02/11

To keep the upcoming holiday season from becoming a time of tragedy, the Brodhead Police Department will be joining hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state from Dec. 9th to Dec. 17th for the statewide "Booze and Belts" traffic safety campaign.

"During the Booze and Belts safety mobilization, our officers will be intently focusing their traffic enforcement efforts to prevent needless traffic deaths and injuries by enforcing drunken driving laws and mandatory safety belt laws," said Brodhead Police Chief Tom Moczynski.

"We're striving to save lives and prevent injuries; not to write more safety belt tickets or make more drunken driving arrests. We hope that people will voluntarily decide to buckle up and drive sober. But if they don't, our intensified enforcement will increase the risks of getting caught," added the Chief. "We will continue our enforcement and education efforts, like the Booze and Belts mobilization, until we attain our ultimate goal of zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin."

Brodhead Police Department Joins Click It or Ticket Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign - 5/9/11

The Brodhead Police Department will team up with hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin for the 2011 Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement mobilization from May 23 to June 5, 2011 announced Brodhead Police Chief Tom Moczynski.

"During Click It or Ticket, our officers will be focusing their traffic enforcement activities on safety belt use. Our objective during the mobilization is not to write more tickets but to save lives and reduce injuries through voluntary compliance with Wisconsin's mandatory safety belt law" said the chief.

Brodhead Police Officers always participate in the annual Click It or Ticket campaign because seatbelt education and enforcement campaigns work. High-visablity enforcement such as the Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increasing the national belt usage rate from 58 percent in 1994 to an observed usage rate of 85 percent in 2010. Belt use saves thousands of lives each year across America. In 2009 alone, seat belts save 12,713 lives nationwide.

On Monday March 7, 2011 Brodhead's American Legion Post 197 recognized Officer Trevor Long with the Law Enforcement Certificate of Commendation Award for outstanding community service and as their selection for 2011 Police Officer of the year.

Officer Long started on the Brodhead Police Department over in 2001 as a community service officer. His hard work and dedication saw him rise through ranks from community service officer, emergency services dispatcher, to his current position of police officer. He currently serves as the Brodhead Police Departments investigator.

During his time with the Brodhead Police Department Officer Long has also volunteered his time to improve the community. Since 2001 he served as a “Big Brother” and participated in charity events for Big Brothers and Sisters. He also participated and helped plan fund raisers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,

Through out the year local American Legion Posts formally recognize and award citizens, governmental workers, and armed service members for service that goes above and beyond the call of duty and have a positive impact with in their communities.

Officer Long’s commitment to the public safety of Brodhead and his contributions to his fellow citizens make him most deserving of this award.

The Brodhead Police Department will team up with hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin for the Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement mobilization from May 24 to June 3 2010 announced Brodhead Police Chief Tom Moczynski.

Consistent safety belt use is the single most effective protection against being ejected from a vehicle or thrown around violently inside it during a crash. An estimated 237 lives were saved by safety belt use in Wisconsin in 2007, and 100 percent safety belt use could have saved an additional 137 lives, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"Currently Wisconsin's safety belt use rate is approximately 74 percent, one of the lowest in the nation when compared to the national average of 83 percent. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of preventable traffic deaths to zero in Wisconsin. That's why we urge you to buckle up every time you get behind the wheel or ride in a vehicle," explained Chief Moczynski.

The project, which was delayed in December due to the weather, will resume the week of May 11 per the WI Department of Transportation. Chief Moczynski urges motorists to be very cautious using this intersection as most drivers will not be aware of the change; also be absolutely sure that traffic on State Hwy 11 comes to a stop before entering the intersection. The police department will increase enforcement in the area to make sure drivers obey the lights. He said the extra patrols would be for safety reasons as well as enforcement.

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Major Change for Brodhead Motorists on State

Highway 11 coming soon! 12/7/2009

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) will be erecting permanent stop signs with flashing lights on State Highway 11 at the intersection with County Highway T / Highway 104. The stop signs will require motorists on State Highway 11, travelling both East and West, to stop at the intersection.

Brodhead Police Chief Tom Moczynski urged motorists using the traffic route to be extra cautious at the intersection because the change will most likely catch some drivers by surprise. He further advised drivers not to assume that everyone will be aware of the change; make absolutely sure oncoming traffic on Highway 11 stops before you enter the intersection.

WISDOT was to install the stop signs the week of December 7th, but due to the weather conditions, they advised the project was on hold until the weather conditions improve. Chief Moczynski will put out a press release when a new date is scheduled for the installation.

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Brodhead Police join Booze & Belts Traffic Safety Mobilization 11/19/2009

Brodhead Police Chief Thomas Moczynski announced that the Brodhead Police Department will be participating in the statewide Booze and Belts Traffic Safety Mobilization this holiday season. The initiative runs from December 7 to December 15, 2009.

During Booze & Belts hundreds of law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin intensely focus their traffic enforcement efforts on impaired driving and safety belt use says Chief Moczynski.

Last year, alcohol-related crashes killed 234 people in Wisconsin. Although deaths and injuries from traffic crashes devastate individuals, families and entire communities throughout the year, they seem to be even more tragic during the holiday season.

Chief Moczynski says he wants to make motorists in the Brodhead area aware that police officers will be focusing their traffic enforcement efforts on impaired drivers and unbelted motorists during this mobilization.

Chief Moczynski explained the purpose of the Booze and Belts mobilization. Our goal is to save lives and prevent injuries—not to write more safety belt tickets or make more drunken driving arrests. We hope that people will voluntarily decide to buckle up and drive sober. But if they don’t, our intensified traffic enforcement will increase the risk of getting caught. Our ultimate goal, during the Booze and Belts mobilization and throughout the year, is to one day attain zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin.

On Oct. 10th, the Brodhead City Council approved a new 9-1-1 system for the city's communication center. During a recent storm, a lightening strike took out the system which, thankfully, was brought back on line by a tech from AT&T. But Chief Moczynski reported to the council that even though the current system has served the city well, the parts for the aging system, which was installed in the early 90's, are practically non-existent. The council approved the upgrade unanimously.

On 9/26/2009, area law enforcement and fire department members faced off in a flag football game with proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Even though the game went to the fire department team, a good time was had by all with the event raising over $2100.00 for the cause. Thanks to all who participated!

On September 16, 2008, the Brodhead Police Department hosted a SWAT training for officers of the Green County Sheriff's Department, the Monroe Police Department, and the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department. Each department completes trainings within their own department, but this opportunity allowed the different departments to work together for multi-jurisdictional purposes. The Brodhead Police Department would like to thank Kuhn-Knight Manufacturing for use of the residential property and all the agencies for participating in this training.

On June 15, 2007, Brian Raupp was sworn in as the new Deputy Chief of the Brodhead Police Department. Brian started with the police department in June of 1996. He began as a patrol officer and was later promoted to the Corporal position. He is also the department's Field Training Officer, DAAT instructor and a member of the Rapid Response Team. Congratulations on your promotion, Brian!

The Brodhead Police Department recently added a 400cc Can-Am Outlander ATV to the department. The addition of the ATV will help the police department in many areas including snow mobile enforcement in the winter, parade detail, fireworks demonstrations, and much more. Deputy Chief Tom Moczynski stated "It will be a great help for working in areas of rough terrain and at the edges of the city. It will add versatility when we can't access with a squad car easily and we will be making use of a cargo box with medical supplies." A special thanks goes out to Cpl. Brian Raupp for beginning the process of making the ATV a reality and also to Monroe Power Sports for helping with the implementation of a public safety program in this area. The ATV will be leased to the police department for the cost of $1.00 a year.

On 5/14/2007, the Brodhead City Council approved hiring Thomas Moczynski as the next Chief of Police for the City of Brodhead. Tom was hired with the department as the Deputy Chief in February of 2007. We all welcome Tom and wish him luck in his new position as the Chief of this great department!

In May of 2007, Chief Bennett announced that he would be retiring as the Chief of the Brodhead Police Department. Chief Bennett has been a member of the Brodhead Police Department since 1983. He has worked his way up through the ranks over the years and was appointed to the chief's position in 2000. We wish Rich all the best in his retirement!

Police Department Receives Award from City of Brodhead for B.E.E.M.S. Program5/20/05

Friday, May 20th, was Police Memorial Day Observance, for the Brodhead Police Department. Once again the ceremony was held at Tinker's Garden in the Downtown Square. The Garden, named in memory of Fred (Tinker) Ties, the City's first Police Chief, is a perfect backdrop for such an important ceremony. This year, Ofc. Corey Mills was recognized for five years of service with the Brodhead Police Department, and citizen Todd Arnsmeier was presented with the "Good Samaritan" award, for assisting the Department in an arrest of a Felon earlier in the year. In addition to the Department awards, the City of Brodhead took the opportunity to Present to Chief Bennett an award to recognize the Brodhead Police Department for operation of it's most successful program, the B.E.E.M.S. program. The B.E.E.M.S. program is celebrating Ten Years of Operation, making it the most successful program ever implemented by the Brodhead Police Department. Currently there are 90+ citizens who are being assisted by B.E.E.M.S. (Brodhead Elderly Emergency Monitoring System). Congratulations Chief Bennett and your outstanding staff at the Brodhead Police Department.

Above: Councilman Jon Bernstein, Public Safety Committeeman, Presents City Recognition Plaque to Chief Rich Bennett

After an unofficial seatbelt use survey last week, with an extremely poor result of about 42% wearing their seatbelts, Chief Bennett decided to take action to increase the usage of seatbelts in the City. “I am very concerned about the lack of compliance concerning this important safety issue”, Chief Bennett told members of the press. “Last year the Department took 76 accident reports; most all were minor accidents and those with injuries were also minor”. At the slow speeds that drivers travel in the City, it may seem that a seatbelt is not needed, however Chief Bennett knows that seatbelt use is a learned behavior and if your not wearing your seatbelt while driving in the City, you are more then likely not wearing it on the open roads where the speeds are much greater and the reaction time is dramatically reduced.

Currently the law for seatbelt non compliance is merely a $10.00 fine for drivers and passengers over 8 years old not wearing a seatbelt, but the fines are increased to $102.00 for having a child between 4 and 8 years old not wearing a seatbelt and for children under 4 years old not being properly restrained the fine will cost the driver $164.00. “Children are especially susceptible to injuries even when the brakes are applied quickly and no collision actually occurs”, Chief Bennett stated.

We have several options to increase our seatbelt usage. The first is to help our Citizens comply voluntarily, and, of course, the second is to issue citations and scare our citizens into using their vehicle restraints. Chief Bennett is willing to try the first option of voluntary. To accomplish this option, Chief Bennett himself has begun to stand at different intersections within the City and point out the non-seatbelt users when they stop for the stop signs at the intersections. “We’ll try this for a while and then run another survey”, stated Chief Bennett. “If we don’t see a dramatic increase in compliance I will instruct our officers to increase enforcement by option number two, issuing citations.”

(Chief Richard Bennett at intersection by Elementary School checking on vehicles and occupants for seatbelt use.)

Currently, a vehicle cannot be stopped if the occupants are all over 8 years old and not wearing seatbelts. Chief Bennett is strong supporter of the State going to a primary stop on all vehicles where seatbelts are not being used.

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Jaycees host Identity Theft Seminar 09/29/03

Those who attended the ID Theft Seminar, hosted by the Brodhead Jaycees on Monday night, gained a lot of information about protecting themselves from this devastating crime. In addition, they learned what to do should they ever become a victim of ID Theft. The hour and a half presentation by the Brodhead Police Department's Deputy Chief Dave Wickstrum, provided resources to those in attendance as well as covering some of the many scams which may be received on the Internet, Mail, or telephone.

If you have a group who would like to host this seminar, contact Chief Richard Bennett at the Brodhead Police Department; 897-2112; bhpd@brodheadpolice.com ; or you can find a link to the Federal Trade Commission’s website at http://www.brodheadpolice.com .

On July 17, 2003, the Stateline Area Narcotics Taskforce, Lafayette County Sheriff's Department and the Brodhead Police Department served a search warrant at 801 1st Center Ave.

Brandon Perkins, 22 and Jeanette Axelson, 19 were arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were transported to the Green County Jail. The investigation of this matter is continuing.

Citizens of the City of Brodhead need to be congratulated for the concern that was expressed of the activity that was witnessed at this residence and the information that was passed onto the Brodhead Police Department.

As Sir Robert Peel stated, "Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence."

My understanding of this is that the Police Department cannot be the only ones that stop crime and disorder; it takes every member of a community. By reporting strange activity that is seen, while it is happening, you are doing your part for this community. By working together, we make the quality of life in this community better by letting those that would cause problems know that they will not be accepted.

William Wellnitz needs to be commended for setting an example of this. Mr. Wellnitz reported suspicious information that led to the solving of several burglaries in Illinois.

Many citizens feel intimidated by criminals and are often frightened to report information. Without the support of citizens, criminals are allowed to commit bolder and more outrageous crimes. With the support of citizens, we send the message that crime will not be tolerated in our community. Every time a criminal gets away with something they become more arrogant in their actions, believing they will not be caught. We have to remain united and stand up to criminals who are often cowardly by attacking in the night or by making the innocent citizens their victims.

Citizens can remain anonymous if necessary when reporting crimes. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police department at the time it is occurring.

Chief Richard Bennett announced that Officer Dave Elrod was awarded the Seatbelt Champion award for his efforts in promoting and enforcement of Wisconsin's Seatbelt Laws for the first half of 2003. "Officer Elrod is deserving of such an award as he has worked hard towards promoting this important safety concern," stated Chief Bennett. "Safety Belts are important to drivers and passengers who operate or ride in vehicles on our streets, as they reduce the number and extent of injuries in traffic crashes. I am proud of all of our officers and the efforts that they have made towards the enforcement of this most significant law. If you get stopped in Brodhead without wearing a safety belt, you will receive a citation. Remember that a child under the age of 8 must be buckled up and this is a primary vehicle stop, and the citation is expensive for children who are not buckled in. Seatbelt use is important and congratulations, once again, to Officer Dave Elrod for his efforts as he is truly our Seatbelt Champion."

Over 50 people gathered at the Brodhead City Hall on May 14th, to recognize Law Enforcement Week, and pay tribute to the Woodbridge-Brodhead Corporation for 15 years of support of the Brodhead Police Department's Community Service Officer's Program (CSOs). Glen Condon, Plant Manager for Woodbridge-Brodhead Corporation, was presented several plaques as recognition of their Law Enforcement Support. Terry Fell, Police Coordinator for Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, addressed the audience on the importance of education for future police officers. Many of the department's former CSOs were in attendance and it was good to see old friends who have gone on in the pursuit of their law enforcement goals. Retired Chief Wickline was present as well as family members of former Chief Youngblood and Officer Lawrence (Shorty) Rosheisen. Flower bouquets were presented to the family members in recognition of their passed loved ones, who had been a part of the Brodhead Police Department. In addition to recognizing retirees, Woodbridge and former CSOs, the Department presented service awards to the following individuals:

10yrs. Officer Scott Watson; Lead Dispatcher Anne Bass; Dispatcher Keith Cleasby

Special Presentation of twenty year Distinguished Service Awards were made by Mayor Bill Wellnitz to Chief Richard Bennett and Administrative Assistant Ellyn Popanz.

Chief Bennett, along with Mayor Wellnitz, announced the title of Lieutenant of Police as being changed to Deputy Chief of Police. At the May 12th City Council Meeting the Brodhead City Council passed, unanimously, the Lieutenant to Deputy Chief position change.

Threatening rain forced the ceremony to be held at City Hall, however the rain did not dampen the spirits of those in attendance. A brat luncheon was held at the Law Enforcement Center after the ceremony which lasted just over an hour.

The Brodhead Police Department will be holding it’s Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony at the West end of Tinker’s Garden at 4:00 p.m., May 14^th. The ceremony will recognize years of service of it current members, remember those who have come before us and their service to the Citizens of Brodhead, and recognize Woodbridge Corporation for it’s fifteen years of support to the Brodhead Police Department Community Service Officers Program. The Community Service Officer (CSO) Program has provided the City of Brodhead with special officers over the years, who assist with city events security, bike patrol, vacation and security checks, and have been one of the key ingredients for the highly successful Brodhead Elderly Emergency Monitoring System (B.E.E.M.S.) program over the recent years. In addition, the CSO Program has provided young college students with a paid learning experience while attending classes, seeking their law enforcement or criminal justice degrees. The CSO Program is paid, in it’s entirety, by the Woodbridge Corporation, giving the citizens of Brodhead the benefit of law enforcement extras, with no expense to our citizens.

“Since this is National Law Enforcement Week, it is appropriate to recognize our public law enforcement employees and a fine Corporation, such as Woodbridge Corporation, for all they have done for our community and it’s citizens”, stated Chief Richard Bennett. “I would like to give a special invitation for all of our citizens to stop by Tinker’s Garden, on May 14^th, at 4:00 p.m., and take part as the Department bestows these special honors on these special people. There will be some cake and sandwiches at the Law Enforcement Center, after the ceremony, and I would like to see all of you and bring you up to date on the department and what we are doing to provide each citizen with the best law enforcement that any jurisdiction has to offer.”

Chief Richard A. Bennett stated that he was extremely proud of how the Brodhead Police Officers performed in a recent exercise which was conducted at Woodbridge Corporation on Saturday, June 15th, 2002. The scenario was a shooting where two fired employees return to the factory and shoot several co-workers and take hostages. The Brodhead Rapid Response Team responded and held the hostage takers at bay until assistance was provided by another agency's S.W.A.T. team. According to Chief Bennett, the exercise provided the department with an opportunity to practice new skills learned in Rapid Response Deployment by his officers. Chief Bennett stated that the practice was just what was needed to fine tune the Brodhead Rapid Response Team, and according to the Exercise Assessor, the performance of the Rapid Response Team, and responding Brodhead Police Officers, was exceptional. Also participating in the operation was Green County Emergency Management, Brodhead Fire Department, Brodhead EMS, Green County Sheriff's Department, and the Monroe S.W.A.T. Team.

Chief Richard A. Bennett commended his personnel who showed up on Friday, June 21, 2002, and worked from 10am until 5 pm cleaning and sprucing up the exterior of the Law Enforcement Center. Chief Bennett said that his personnel are the best and proved it once again by performing above and beyond the call of duty in this unselfish act. Weeds were pulled, trees trimmed, exterior walls painted and landscaping items were performed and the place looks GREAT. Chief Bennett said that the Citizens of Brodhead are indeed lucky to have such a fine group of individuals working and doing such good deeds for the City of Brodhead.

City Cable Channel 13 gets a NEW look 8/9/02

Chief Richard Bennett announced, today, that a new character generator has been purchased for Channel 13. "The channel now has a whole new look and we think the city residents are going to like this look," said Bennett. The Brodhead 9-1-1 Communications Center has been in charge of the channel for the past ten years, and the viewing of Channel 13 is available to all residents with cable television. Cable Channel 13 provides city residents with news and information about the City and events and also provides citizens and businesses with advertising. Local videos are also aired on Cable Channel 13 and we think this is just another wonderful thing about life in our small City. Tune in and check out Channel 13's new look.

Chief Richard Bennett announced that personal laptop computers have been issued to all full time patrol officers of the department. Computers have always been supplied in each of the patrol squads for report completion, but Chief Bennett has now went one step further and issued each officer a laptop computer to aid in the reporting process. Officers are now able to send and receive department messages, research State Statutes, have quick information on drivers license status, and complete some of the necessary forms on their computer which the department requires. In addition, the laptops can be easily removed and taken to Crime Victims where typed statements can be taken by the officers for later downloading into the report. Future plans for the officers laptop computers include, use for daily activity logs, City Ordinances on line, pop up special attention areas, and house watches. Since report taking and documentation is such an important part of what our officers do each shift, the department is being structured to aid the officers in this process and the laptop computers have done just that, according to Chief Bennett.

Portable Printers! Why not? After introducing laptop computers for each of the sworn officers, Chief Richard Bennett has supplied a portable printer to accompany the officer's P.C.s. Formerly, the officers were required to return to the police department and print statements they had taken, via their laptops, and then return to have the statement signed. With the portable printers, the officers can now take the typed statement, print it on scene, and have the statement signed. Should the printed statement need any corrections or modifications, on rare occasions, the officer may have been required to return several times. With the laptop printer, the statement is right, signed, and Complainant/Victim has their copy all on the first trip around. "Computers are wonderful tools to enhance the performance of our officers and the efficiently of our police department" said Chief Bennett.

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Major Change for Brodhead Motorists on State

Highway 11 coming soon! 12/7/2009

WISDOT was to install the stop signs the week of December 7th, but due to the weather conditions, they advised the project was on hold until the weather conditions improve. Chief Moczynski will put out a press release when a new date is scheduled for the installation.

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Brodhead Police join Booze & Belts Traffic Safety Mobilization 11/19/2009

Police Department Receives Award from City of Brodhead for B.E.E.M.S. Program5/20/05

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Jaycees host Identity Theft Seminar 09/29/03

City Cable Channel 13 gets a NEW look 8/9/02