KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Police Department is undergoing a significant shift in leadership following the pending retirement of Deputy Chief Joe Labatore and two major promotions within the command staff, all of which are scheduled to go before the Police and Fire Commission on December 16.

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Deputy Chief Labatore, a longtime member of the department, is preparing to retire after a career that Chief Patrick Patton described as “long and distinguished.” Labatore has served in numerous capacities throughout his decades of service, most recently acting as what the chief called a “steadying force within Senior Management.”

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Patton said Labatore’s “experience and deeply analytical approach to decision-making has guided us through significant organizational change,” noting that the outgoing deputy chief helped build an environment that supports the evolving needs of modern policing. The chief said he will personally miss Labatore’s “mentorship, honesty, and perspective,” and thanked him for his support and commitment to the department’s direction.

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As Labatore steps down, Inspector Brent Sagedal is being promoted to Deputy Chief. Patton praised Sagedal as a respected leader both inside the department and throughout the community. “His greatest strength as a leader is his ability to unite individuals to accomplish a common goal,” the chief said. Patton highlighted Sagedal’s servant leadership style, strong communication skills, and “skilled strategic thinking,” noting that he will bring significant value to the department’s top administrative ranks.

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Filling the Inspector of Police position will be Captain Aaron Dillhoff, a longtime member of KPD who has served in nearly every division within the organization. Patton called Dillhoff “a decisive leader that excels in overseeing effective operations,” crediting him with a proven record in managing complex initiatives, handling critical incidents, and applying data-driven strategies. “His knowledge will be vital in bringing disciplined planning, clear communication, and strong interagency coordination to elevate the performance of our operations,” the chief said.

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Patton emphasized that these promotions reflect an intentional direction for the department. “These promotions reflect our commitment to elevating well-trained, highly-educated, and proven problem-solvers,” he said. The chief noted that Sagedal, Dillhoff, and other emerging leaders “embrace data-driven policing, invest in officer training and wellness, and strengthen partnerships with neighborhoods, schools, and community stakeholders.”

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The department’s future leadership structure, according to Patton, was developed through long-term planning. “The leaders being promoted are uniquely prepared for their new roles due to our investment in supervisory, command, and executive training and succession planning,” he said. Patton assured the public that the team being built will continue to deliver “quality police service,” maintain clear and transparent communication during critical incidents, and use modern strategies to reduce crime.

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“All the promotions are subject to PFC approval as they have the statutory authority,” Patton said, adding that he wanted to respect the commission’s independence.

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The Police and Fire Commission is scheduled to take up the promotions in open session on December 16, with an agenda expected to be posted the Friday beforehand.

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