Local
Blanchardville Police Chief Ryan Kumor Resigns, Citing Frustrations with Department Direction
Chief Ryan Kumor announced his resignation from the Blanchardville Police Department on Friday, citing changes to daily workflow and disagreements over the department's direction. His last day is Nov. 27, and he will return to the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office as a deputy.
BLANCHARDVILLE, Wis. â The chief of the Blanchardville Police Department has announced he is resigning, citing frustrations with changes to daily workflow and disagreements over the direction of the department.
Chief Ryan Kumor announced his resignation in a social media post on Friday. His last day with the village will be Friday, Nov. 27. After leaving, Kumor will return to the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office as a deputy.
In his statement, Kumor pointed to operational expectations brought forward by others and differences of opinion about where the department should be headed.
"These changes, along with my growing dissatisfaction and frustrations with the current environment, led me to conclude that with what was coming and would be forced onto me, that I could no longer effectively serve the Village in a manner consistent with my personal and professional moral standards, ethical values, and commitment to effective public service," Kumor said.
Kumor explained that Blanchardville operates a single-person police department, meaning he was responsible for all aspects of law enforcement operations. That included administrative management, patrol, criminal investigations and enforcement of village ordinances.
"The successful performance of these duties requires certain level of professional autonomy to act, along with local organizational support and a clear understanding of operational requirements and expectations from both sides," Kumor said.
The resignation leaves the small Lafayette County village facing a transition in its police leadership. It was not immediately clear how the village plans to fill the position or whether interim coverage arrangements have been made.
Kumor's departure comes as law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin continue to grapple with recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in rural communities where single-officer departments are common. The loss of a chief in such a department can leave a gap in local services while officials determine next steps.
Kumor's return to the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office as a deputy suggests he will remain in law enforcement in the region. The sheriff's office provides coverage and support to communities across the county, including Blanchardville.
Village officials did not immediately respond to questions about the resignation or plans for the department's future.