Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala announced that Police Chief Patrick Patton will be the city’s next Administrator. The appointment will be presented to the Kenosha Common Council for consideration and confirmation at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 19.
Patton’s public‑service background
Patton began his law‑enforcement career with the Kenosha Police Department after serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2001 to 2009. Since 2006 he has held a series of roles within the department, including patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. In 2023 he was appointed Chief of Police, a position he held for four years.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Carthage College, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Wisconsin‑Platteville, and a Certified Public Manager credential from the University of Wisconsin‑Madison.
Mayor Bogdala’s endorsement
“Patrick has demonstrated the experience, professionalism, sound judgment, and leadership ability that I believe are essential to serving as Kenosha’s next City Administrator,” Mayor Bogdala said. “He understands the responsibilities of public service, knows our organization, and has earned the respect that comes from leading a critical and complex organization. I am confident in his ability to work collaboratively with our employees, department heads, Common Council, and community to keep Kenosha moving forward.”
Bogdala added, “As a former alderman who spent 16 years working alongside City employees and department leaders, I understand how important strong administration is to effective local government. The City Administrator must be able to manage complex operations, build relationships, solve problems, and help turn the priorities of the Mayor and Common Council into results for our residents. Patrick has the experience and leadership qualities to meet those expectations.”
Patton’s own remarks
Chief Patton said, “Serving the Kenosha Police Department for 21 years, and leading it for the last four, has been the greatest honor of my professional life. The men and women of the KPD are among the finest public servants I have ever known, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together for this community. While I am stepping away from the role of chief, I am not stepping away from this community. This City has given me so much both personally and professionally. I’m excited to continue to serve the people who live here in a new way and make Kenosha an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m grateful to the mayor for the trust placed in me for bringing my appointment to the Common Council.”
What the City Administrator does
The City Administrator oversees day‑to‑day operations of municipal government, working with department heads and employees to implement the priorities and policies set by the mayor and Common Council. The role is critical for maintaining efficient services, responsible financial management, and coordination across city departments.
Next steps
The Common Council will consider the appointment on Oct. 19. If confirmed, Patton will assume the Administrator role on Jan. 1, 2027. The release did not specify who will fill the vacancy as Police Chief or outline the selection process for that position.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
