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Commendations

A Commendation may be filed whenever a community member wants to praise or compliment an employee of the MFD or MPD. Just as we recognize that conflicts between citizens and department employees can arise, we also acknowledge that there are occasions when our employees go above and beyond the call of duty. Although our employees do not expect to be thanked for everything they do, like everyone else they appreciate being recognized for exceptional service. The FPC gladly accepts these commendations and forwards them to the chief of the department and the employee. A copy of the commendation will be placed in the employee's personnel file.

A commendation may be filed by:

 Mail completed commendation forms to:

Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission
City Hall, Room 705
200 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee WI 53202

2024-2025 Commendations

 

Police Officer John NeuBurg

In December 2024, a Milwaukee resident and her mother reported a missing elderly family member who had recently been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. After becoming disoriented while driving to pick up visiting relatives, the family member did not return home for several hours. Understandably worried, the family contacted the Milwaukee Police Department for assistance.

Officer Neuburg arrived within minutes and, according to the family, exemplified compassion, professionalism, and confidence during a stressful moment. The resident shared:

“He was extremely kind, compassionate, and reassuring to us in our panic! We had confidence in his ability to help us out… We'd like Officer Neuburg to receive our heartfelt gratitude and recognition for his confident, compassionate nature! He made our family feel like we were more than just a routine call on his shift. He's an excellent example of what citizens want in the Milwaukee Police Force!”

Fortunately, the missing family member returned home safely, resulting in a positive outcome for everyone involved.

The Fire & Police Commission congratulates and recognizes Officer Neuburg for his exemplary service. His responsiveness and empathetic approach reflect the values that Milwaukee residents look for in their public safety professionals. Stories like this demonstrate the meaningful impact officers can have on the community, not only through effective policing, but through human connection and care.

 

MFD Engine #32

The Fire & Police Commission recently received a commendation from a Milwaukee resident detailing their positive experience with the Milwaukee Fire Department. During a February evening, the resident noticed an unusual glue-like odor coming from their basement and contacted the Fire Department to ensure it was not related to natural gas or carbon monoxide.

Engine 32 (Blue Shift) responded promptly, and according to the resident, the crew was professional, courteous, and thorough in their safety inspection. After determining that no hazardous gas was present, the crew advised the resident to ventilate the space and contact an HVAC professional if the odor persisted.

What stood out most was what happened next: approximately 45 minutes later, the crew returned to the home with additional information. After observing nearby sewer work being conducted by the Department of Public Works, they shared that sewer cleaning can sometimes cause odors to travel through basement drains, particularly during dry winter periods. They recommended pouring water into the drain to prevent the odor from traveling upward, a fix that worked, resolving the issue.

The resident expressed deep appreciation for the crew’s attentiveness and initiative, stating:

“Engine #32 Blue Shift did a great job and should be commended!”

The Fire & Police Commission joins the resident in commending the Engine 32 (Blue Shift) team for their responsive service, attention to detail, and commitment to community safety. Their extra effort exemplifies the spirit of public service and reinforces the importance of strong relationships between Milwaukee residents and the Milwaukee Fire Department.

 

Police Officer Tanya Rosales

The Fire & Police Commission recently received a commendation from a Milwaukee resident recognizing the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by Officer Rosales during a hit-and-run incident.

According to the resident, Officer Rosales arrived on scene and immediately began gathering the required information with care and precision. Her calm demeanor, thorough communication, and clear explanations provided reassurance during what was otherwise a stressful experience. The resident noted that Officer Rosales took additional time to answer questions, explain the next steps in the process, and offer support with empathy and patience.

The resident shared the following in their letter:

“It was evident that Officer Rosales possesses remarkable skill and dedication to her work, and I am incredibly grateful for her efforts… It is officers like her who make a significant impact and reinforce trust in our law enforcement professionals.”

The Fire & Police Commission extends its appreciation to Officer Rosales for exemplifying high standards of professionalism and service. Encounters like this contribute to building trust between Milwaukee residents and the Milwaukee Police Department, and highlight the meaningful ways public safety personnel support the community each day.

 

Police Officer Jason Tate & Police Officer Maxwell Siebert

The Fire & Police Commission recently received a commendation from a Milwaukee resident recognizing the professionalism and empathy demonstrated by Officers Jason Tate and Maxwell Siebert during a traffic stop.

The resident shared that the interaction occurred shortly after she had completed jury duty and was having an especially difficult day. She noted that both officers treated her with patience, understanding, and respect throughout the encounter, making the experience far less stressful than it might have otherwise been.

In her commendation, the resident wrote that the officers “were extremely nice and forgiving as I had just come out of jury duty,” and requested that her gratitude be shared, adding that “after a very difficult day at the courthouse,” their empathy and demeanor made a meaningful difference.

The Fire & Police Commission joins the resident in recognizing Officers Tate and Siebert for their courteous conduct and commitment to maintaining positive and respectful interactions with the community. Their professionalism reflects the standards expected of Milwaukee Police Department personnel and contributes to strengthening trust between residents and law enforcement.