Stopping the Crime Crisis: Ending ‘Defund the Police’ and Keeping Our Families Safe

FRANKLIN, WISCONSIN— Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) held a Law Enforcement Roundtable at the Franklin Police Department. Law Enforcement officials from across Wisconsin's First Congressional joined Congressman Steil to discuss challenges facing the law enforcement community, public safety, local crime trends, and legislation impacting law enforcement.

"Keeping our communities safe is a top priority for me. I stand with the men and women of law enforcement who protect and serve our communities every day. At a time when radical politicians are calling to defund the police, it's important that we support our law enforcement officers who protect our communities and ensure that our officers have the resources they need to keep our communities safe. I'm thankful to the members of the law enforcement, elected officials, and community members who joined me today to discuss issues impacting public safety," said Steil.

"Thank you to Congressman Steil for pulling this roundtable discussion together. I found it invaluable and informative to have multiple stakeholders including, law makers, law enforcement and victims identifying concerns and possible solutions to the challenges law enforcement face while delivering public safety," said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.

"We need to be proactive. We need to focus more on the children in middle schools and elementary schools. We need to let them know that police officers are here to help, here to protect, and here to make sure that they have a future to look up to," said Kenosha Police Office Javier Vega.

"I'm confident there wouldn't be a Kenosha, Wisconsin on the map if it wasn't for law enforcement," said Kimberly Warner of Kenosha.

"I would not be alive today if it wasn't for the honorable men and women that have dedicated themselves with integrity to protect the public. I would like to show my support as a survivor because they are people too and need the emotional and critical financial support to help in their battle against crime," said Katherine Tsiampas of Waukesha County.

In a statement provided to Congressman Steil, survivor Terri Jendusa-Nicolai of Racine County said, "As a survivor of violent crime, I can tell you firsthand how important law enforcement officers are. I would not be here if it wasn't for their selflessness and dedication to serve. Even when the going gets tough. Beyond the rhetoric and the noise, there is a community who needs you. You are light shining in the darkness. Keep shining."

Participants of the Law Enforcement Roundtable included:

Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01)

Franklin Police Chief Rick Oliva

Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling

Rock County Sheriff Troy Knudsen

Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell

Muskego Police Chief Stephen Westphal

Dale Bormann, Milwaukee Police Association

Pete Deates, Kenosha Professional Police Association

Officer Javier Vega, Kenosha Professional Police Association

Kimberly Warner, Kenosha Business Owner

Katherine Tsiampis of Waukesha County

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