Silver Lake residents got a chance to meet the individuals that will be patrolling their village starting Thursday, if all goes as expected.
Four Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies, along with supervisors, Chief Deputy Charles Smith and Sheriff David Beth were at Silver Lake Village Hall Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Citizens attending got a chance to talk with the deputies or supervisors and ask questions. They also got a chance to see the vehicle that will be used by the Sheriff’s Department for dedicated patrol of Silver Lake, a Sheriff’s Department vehicle with the addition of “Village of Silver Lake” to the lettering.
If a contract between the village and the Sheriff’s Department is approved Tuesday night by the County Board, the deputies will begin patrolling the village Wednesday. The agreement passed two County Board committees without a no vote.
The patrol by sheriff’s deputies will replace the village police department. Village police officers are being absorbed by the Sheriff’s Department, but need to go through training and probation and will not initially be working in the village.
Village Trustee Pat Dunn, chairman of the Public Protection and Emergency Services Committee, was also in attendance and visiting with attendees.
Once everyone moved inside, Beth made some causal remarks. Here is video of a portion of what he had to say followed by some more photos:
What a great turnout to welcome the Sheriff into the village. This should have been done 20 years ago. A job well done by the new board.
I was very impressed meeting our new officers and look forward to seeing them on a daily basis patrolling our village. These are exciting times for Silver Lake. Welcome Deputies!