Blanchardville, Wis. – The village’s sole police officer, Chief Ryan Kumor, announced on Friday that he will resign from the Blanchardville Police Department effective Friday, Nov. 27. In a social‑media post, Kumor explained that recent changes to daily workflow and operational expectations created a work environment he felt conflicted with his personal and professional moral standards.
Reasons for Leaving
Chief Kumor said the new directives, combined with growing dissatisfaction, left him unable to serve the village in a manner consistent with his ethical values and commitment to effective public service. “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,” he wrote.
Role of the One‑Officer Department
The Blanchardville Police Department operates as a single‑person agency. As chief, Kumor handled all facets of law enforcement, including administrative management, patrol duties, criminal investigations, and enforcement of village ordinances. He emphasized that the successful performance of these duties requires a certain level of professional autonomy, local organizational support, and clear expectations from both the chief and village leadership.
Next Steps
Following his resignation, Kumor will rejoin the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, returning to a larger agency where he previously served. The village will need to determine how to fill the vacancy and maintain public‑safety coverage after Nov. 27.
Community Impact
Residents of Blanchardville rely on the chief for rapid response to emergencies, traffic enforcement, and community outreach. Village officials have not yet detailed a transition plan, but they indicated that public safety remains a top priority and that they will explore options to ensure continued law‑enforcement presence.
Village Response
Village leaders thanked Chief Kumor for his years of service and expressed appreciation for his dedication to the community. They noted that his return to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office will keep his experience within the region, potentially benefiting both agencies.
Further updates will be provided as the village finalizes its approach to maintaining police services after the chief’s departure.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
