KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton, 43, who became the city’s youngest police chief in 2023, is now poised to become Kenosha’s youngest city administrator. In an exclusive interview with Kenosha County Eye Wednesday evening, Patton discussed his decision to accept Mayor David Bogdala’s appointment, his strong belief in the mayor’s vision for Kenosha, and his plans to bring the leadership philosophy that helped modernize the police department to the rest of city government. Patton also revealed why he believes the department is prepared to continue without him and praised Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal, who has already assumed responsibility as acting police chief and agreed to postpone his retirement to ensure a smooth transition.

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Patton’s appointment was announced Wednesday, October 14, following a competitive selection process involving external and internal interview panels. The Kenosha Common Council is scheduled to consider the appointment Monday, October 19. If confirmed, Patton will officially replace retiring City Administrator John Morrissey on January 1, 2027. The move would mark another historic milestone for Patton, who was appointed police chief at just 39 years old and has spent his entire law enforcement career serving the Kenosha community.

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Perhaps the most revealing part of Patton’s exclusive interview was his explanation of why he pursued the city administrator position in the first place. Although the opportunity represents a significant professional advancement, Patton said his decision was not simply about obtaining a higher-ranking position or increasing his responsibilities. Instead, he repeatedly emphasized his confidence in Bogdala’s leadership and the direction the mayor is taking Kenosha.

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“I would not have put in for this position if I didn’t believe in this mayor’s vision,” Patton told Kenosha County Eye. “I would have a real tough time morally trying to achieve the goals that the mayor is trying to achieve if I didn’t believe in what his vision was.”

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When asked whether he would have applied for the position under a mayor whose priorities he did not share, Patton said he probably would not have. He emphasized that the relationship he has developed with Bogdala and his confidence in the mayor’s priorities were major factors in his decision to pursue the position. “The reason I’m willing to do it is because of this mayor,” Patton said.

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Mayor Bogdala Selects Patton To Lead City Government
Bogdala announced Patton’s selection Wednesday following a recruitment process that began after Morrissey announced his retirement in July. The city subsequently advertised the position with an annual salary range of $168,492 to $251,184. It is believed that about 50 applicants had sought the job, although KCE does not know the precise number.

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The selection process included an external interview panel and an internal panel, giving individuals with different professional backgrounds an opportunity to evaluate the candidates. Patton said advancing through those stages reinforced his confidence that his experience, qualifications, and leadership philosophy were appropriate for the position. He said it was particularly meaningful that the mayor ultimately trusted him with such an important responsibility.

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“Patrick has demonstrated the experience, professionalism, sound judgment, and leadership ability that I believe are essential to serving as Kenosha’s next City Administrator,” Bogdala said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”

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Bogdala, who served 16 years as a Kenosha alderman before becoming mayor, said his experience in local government has taught him the importance of having an effective city administrator who can work with elected officials and municipal employees. He emphasized that the position requires someone capable of managing complex operations, maintaining relationships, and turning the priorities of elected officials into results for residents.

“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,” Bogdala said. “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 said Bogdala has had approximately four years to observe his leadership, first while serving as an alderman and later as mayor. During that time, Patton said, the two developed a professional relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and an understanding of what city government can realistically accomplish. He believes that relationship will allow them to work together effectively from the beginning of his tenure as administrator.

Patton explained that he believes in Bogdala’s vision but also appreciates that the mayor is willing to listen when department leaders identify obstacles or recommend alternative approaches. He said an effective city administrator must be able to tell elected officials when something cannot be accomplished as proposed, rather than simply agreeing with every request.

“I think it is going to be a successful partnership, mainly because I believe in his vision,” Patton said. He added that the mayor has demonstrated enough confidence in his judgment to accept candid assessments about what city government can deliver and how best to accomplish particular goals. Patton said that mutual respect will be essential as the two work to implement the city’s priorities.

Youngest Police Chief Now Poised To Become Youngest City Administrator
At 43, Patton is preparing to make history for a second time. He became Kenosha’s youngest police chief when he was appointed in 2023, moving directly from the rank of captain to the department’s highest position. He never served as an inspector or deputy chief, two positions commonly associated with preparation for the chief’s office.

Patton’s public service career began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 2001 to 2009. He joined the Kenosha Police Department in 2006 and worked his way through the ranks, serving as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before becoming chief. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Carthage College, a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and a Certified Public Manager credential from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Although Patton’s relatively young age has attracted attention throughout his career, he said it has never been particularly important to him. He recalled being entrusted with significant responsibilities early in both his military and law enforcement careers, sometimes before he felt entirely prepared for them. Those experiences, he said, required him to mature quickly and learn how to lead people who sometimes had considerably more experience than he did.

Patton credited supervisors and mentors who invested in his development, gave him opportunities to lead, and allowed him to learn from mistakes. He said those experiences helped shape the leadership philosophy he eventually brought to the Kenosha Police Department. Rather than focusing on his age, Patton said he believes his professional accomplishments and relationships provide a better measure of his readiness for the new position.

“The age thing has never really been a point for me,” Patton said. He explained that his experience leading the police department and building relationships throughout Kenosha is more important than his age, particularly as he prepares to oversee an organization much larger and more diverse than the police department alone.

Patton also suggested that a different perspective could benefit city government, particularly when residents sometimes view government institutions as disconnected from the people they serve. He said some residents may appreciate new approaches, fresh ideas, and additional energy in city administration. He believes the relationships he has developed with residents and city employees will help him understand their concerns and identify opportunities for improvement.

Patton Says His Greatest Accomplishment Was Making Himself Replaceable
When asked to identify his greatest accomplishments as police chief, Patton did not immediately point to the department’s technological advancements, major investigations, or public safety initiatives. Instead, he focused on the relationships he developed throughout the community and the leadership structure he helped build within the department. He said those two accomplishments will have a lasting impact long after he leaves the chief’s office.

Patton said he received numerous congratulatory messages Wednesday, prompting him to reflect on the individual relationships he had established with employees, business owners, community stakeholders, and residents. He said he was particularly proud of maintaining those relationships even during disagreements or when he had to deliver answers people did not want to hear. He believes earning respect does not necessarily require agreeing with everyone, but rather treating people fairly, communicating openly, and maintaining relationships despite differences.

His second major accomplishment, he said, was preparing the police department to continue operating successfully after his departure. Patton explained that he deliberately gave supervisors and employees the freedom to make decisions, develop their skills, and pursue improvements without relying on him to personally direct every initiative.

“Probably the second greatest accomplishment, other than the relationships I’ve been able to form and build over the last four years, is how replaceable I made myself,” Patton said. He explained that successful leaders should develop the people around them to the point that the organization can continue functioning effectively without them. Patton expressed confidence that the Kenosha Police Department has reached that point and predicted its progress will continue under future leadership.

The department has experienced significant modernization during his tenure, including the implementation of a Drone as First Responder program, improvements to body-worn camera technology, and expanded camera capabilities. The department has also increased its emphasis on officer wellness, training, and community engagement. These initiatives have provided officers with additional tools and resources while helping the department strengthen its relationship with the public.

Patton credited those improvements to employees who were encouraged to bring forward ideas and identify opportunities for change. He said the department moved away from an environment some employees considered stagnant and became an organization willing to embrace innovation. Rather than taking personal credit for every advancement, Patton emphasized that the department’s employees were responsible for developing and implementing many of the improvements.

“We’ve become early adopters, or really innovators for the entire state,” Patton said. He explained that the department’s progress resulted from recognizing the talents of its employees and giving them the confidence to propose new ideas without fearing failure. Patton said he intends to apply that same people-centered management philosophy throughout city government, where he will oversee a much larger workforce and a wider range of municipal services.

Patton’s Emotional Farewell To Officers: ‘YOU Are Family To Me’
In an emotional email obtained by Kenosha County Eye through a public records request, Patton informed every Kenosha Police Department employee of his decision Wednesday morning, hours before the city’s official announcement. The email, sent at 9:37 a.m. with the subject line “An announcement I want you to hear directly from me first,” offered a personal glimpse into just how difficult the decision was for the longtime law enforcement officer.

“This was not an easy decision for me by any means, but it is one that I chose because it aligns with personal goals for me,” Patton wrote. “The decision to leave law enforcement is especially tough because it is all I have ever known. I have spent 21 years in this department, with the last four as your chief, and this place has been far more than a job to me. It is where I grew up as a police officer and as a person. It is where I met people I will keep in my life forever.”

Patton told employees that his proudest accomplishments had little to do with individual initiatives, statistics, or accolades. Instead, he praised the officers, detectives, and civilian employees who helped build the department and served the community during some of Kenosha’s most difficult moments. He thanked employees for their dedication and emphasized that the department’s successes belonged to them rather than to him personally.

Patton also made an emotional promise to the employees he will soon leave behind, assuring them that his new position at City Hall will not diminish his commitment to the department.

“I want to emphasize that I am not going far,” Patton wrote. “In my new role I will still be serving this city, and I will continue to be this department’s strongest advocate. YOU are family to me and I am not walking away.”

The email also revealed that Patton has already begun transitioning into his new responsibilities, even though he will officially remain police chief through December 31 if the Common Council confirms his appointment. He told employees that Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal would immediately assume responsibility as acting chief, with full authority over day-to-day operations, while Patton would retain responsibility for matters legally requiring action by the police chief, including Police and Fire Commission matters.

Patton acknowledged that announcing such an important decision by email was not his preferred approach, but said it allowed him to notify every employee simultaneously before the news became public. He promised to visit roll calls and the detective bureau over the following days to personally answer questions and speak with employees before departing. He ended the message with a personal sign-off that reflected the emotional nature of his departure: “With deep gratitude, respect, and love, Pat.”

Senior Police Leaders Praise Patton’s Leadership
In separate exclusive interviews with Kenosha County Eye, Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal and Inspector Aaron Dilhoff praised Patton’s leadership and credited him with developing a strong command staff capable of handling the transition. Both officers said Patton’s collaborative approach has helped prepare the department for his departure and established a foundation for continued improvement.

Dilhoff, who joined the Kenosha Police Department in March 2004, has served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and inspector. He currently oversees the department’s operational divisions, including patrol and investigations, and works closely with Patton and Sagedal as part of the department’s senior management team. Dilhoff said Patton’s willingness to involve command staff in important decisions has strengthened the department’s leadership.

“He’s really opened up access to the command staff to allow for a team approach to decision-making and problem-solving, which has really helped develop our command staff and supervisors and just prepared us to keep the mission moving forward,” Dilhoff said. He explained that Patton encouraged supervisors to collaborate and develop solutions together rather than relying exclusively on decisions made by the chief.

Dilhoff also credited Patton with improving relationships between police and the community, particularly through the department’s IMPACT community engagement team, led by Officer Tyler Cochran. He said the department has made significant progress building trust and strengthening relationships with residents since 2020. Those improvements, he said, reflect Patton’s emphasis on treating people fairly and making community engagement an important part of police work.

Although Dilhoff acknowledged that Patton’s departure will be a loss, he emphasized that the chief has prepared the department for the transition. He believes the department’s experienced supervisors and command staff are capable of maintaining its current direction.

“We’ll certainly miss Chief Patton’s presence around here,” Dilhoff said. “But he’s had such an impact on the development of our leadership team that we’re prepared for him.”

Dilhoff also noted that Patton will remain nearby at City Hall, allowing the police department to continue benefiting from his experience and guidance. He said Patton’s influence will not disappear simply because he is moving into a different position within city government.

“Thankfully, he’s moving across the street and we’ll still benefit from his influence,” Dilhoff said. He described Patton as a leader who has invested considerable time developing the department’s supervisors and preparing them to handle additional responsibilities.

Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal Postpones Retirement To Lead Department
One of the most significant consequences of Patton’s appointment is the leadership transition now underway at the Kenosha Police Department. Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal, 53, a 27-year veteran of the Kenosha Police Department, assumed responsibility as acting police chief Wednesday, October 14, immediately following Patton’s transition into his new responsibilities. Although Patton officially retains the title of police chief through December 31, Sagedal now has full authority over the department’s day-to-day operations. Patton will continue handling matters that legally require action by the police chief, including Police and Fire Commission matters. He joined the department in 1999 and has held numerous positions, including patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, inspector, and deputy chief.

Sagedal had been planning to retire at the end of 2026 but agreed to remain for approximately another year after learning that Patton would be leaving. He told Kenosha County Eye that allowing the department to lose its two highest-ranking officers at the same time would not be in its best interests. Instead, he decided to postpone his retirement to help provide stability while the Kenosha Police and Fire Commission searches for a permanent replacement.

Patton said asking Sagedal to postpone his retirement was one of the more difficult aspects of accepting the city administrator position. He acknowledged that Sagedal had already dedicated nearly three decades to public service and had earned the opportunity to retire and spend more time with his family.

“It was tough for me to look at someone who’s been so supportive and given so much here and now reach his well-earned retirement,” Patton said. He explained that Sagedal could have retired as planned but instead agreed to remain because the department needed experienced leadership during an important transition.

Patton described Sagedal as approachable, fair, competent, and someone who has consistently stepped forward when needed. He said Sagedal’s willingness to remain will provide reassurance to officers and help prevent unnecessary disruption during the transition. Patton also credited Sagedal with helping him develop as a police officer and leader earlier in his career.

Dilhoff expressed complete confidence in Sagedal’s leadership abilities. The two worked closely together as third-shift lieutenants for nearly two years, giving Dilhoff firsthand experience with Sagedal’s judgment and decision-making. Dilhoff said he has no concerns about Sagedal assuming responsibility for major decisions involving the department.

“I trust his decision-making. I trust his values and his ethics,” Dilhoff said. “I don’t have any concerns whatsoever for Brent to be the final decision-maker.”

Sagedal has said he does not intend to apply for the permanent police chief position. He expects to remain with the department through 2027 before retiring January 1, 2028. His decision will allow the department to maintain experienced leadership while the Police and Fire Commission conducts its search.

The commission is expected to begin the selection process around March 2027. Based on previous searches, Dilhoff anticipates that a permanent appointment could occur by late summer or early fall of next year. The process is expected to include applications, panel interviews, an assessment center, and interviews with the Police and Fire Commission.

During the transition, Sagedal and Dilhoff plan to rely heavily on the department’s experienced captains, lieutenants, and sergeants. Both have emphasized the importance of continuing Patton’s collaborative approach to leadership rather than making sweeping organizational changes before a permanent chief is selected. They believe the department’s existing leadership team is well positioned to manage the additional responsibilities.

Patton Wants To Protect Taxpayers While Continuing Economic Development
As he prepares to take over city administration, Patton said his priorities will include continuing Kenosha’s economic development projects, maintaining high-quality municipal services, and protecting the city’s financial position. He said those objectives align with Bogdala’s vision for the city and will be important measures of success over the next five years.

Patton specifically identified responsible budgeting, maintaining the city’s bond rating, carefully managing reserves, and avoiding unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers as priorities. He said he wants to ensure that existing economic development projects reach completion while the city continues providing the services residents expect. He emphasized that maintaining those services must be balanced against the financial pressures facing households.

Patton said city government should continue seeking ways to operate efficiently without unnecessarily increasing costs for taxpayers, particularly when many families are already facing tighter household budgets. He believes the city can continue delivering strong municipal services while protecting its financial position through careful planning and responsible spending.

He also discussed his relationship with the Common Council and the importance of providing aldermen with complete, accurate, and timely information. Patton explained that while the mayor establishes policy direction, council members must authorize many of the decisions necessary to carry out those priorities. He said effective administration requires cooperation between the mayor, council, department heads, and city employees.

Patton said he intends to ensure that every alderman receives the same information and understands the potential advantages and disadvantages of major decisions. He emphasized that elected officials should be able to ask questions and receive candid answers without political favoritism. Patton believes the relationships he has established with council members during his years as police chief will help him accomplish that goal.

He said those relationships are particularly important because the city administrator must work closely with the mayor while also providing council members with the information they need to represent their constituents. Patton believes his experience working with elected officials has already established a foundation of trust that will allow him to begin the job effectively.

Patton also stressed the importance of preserving institutional knowledge as Morrissey prepares to retire. He described Morrissey as instrumental in helping Bogdala navigate his first years as mayor and said the departure of such an experienced administrator concerned city employees. Patton said his familiarity with municipal operations and existing relationships with department heads could help maintain continuity while allowing Bogdala’s administration to continue pursuing its priorities.

A New Chapter For Kenosha City Government
Morrissey’s retirement will conclude a lengthy career in public service that included serving as Kenosha police chief and city administrator. Patton’s appointment would continue a familiar pattern in Kenosha government, with another former police chief moving into the city’s highest administrative position. The transition will also mark a significant change for the Kenosha Police Department, which will begin 2027 under new leadership.

Dilhoff, who worked under Morrissey earlier in his career, praised the retiring administrator for his contributions to the police department and city government. He said Morrissey played an important role in his professional development and remained a strong advocate for the department after moving into city administration.

“Morrissey was my chief. He appointed me to the gang unit. He promoted me to detective and he promoted me to sergeant,” Dilhoff said. He described Morrissey as a prominent leadership figure who helped move the city forward and advocated for the police department during his time as administrator.

Dilhoff also noted that leading Kenosha’s largest municipal department provides valuable preparation for city administration because police leadership regularly works with public works, fire, parks, libraries, museums, and other municipal departments. He said that experience gives police chiefs an understanding of how different city departments interact and how municipal decisions affect the community.

Bogdala has identified public safety, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood investment, economic development, and efficient municipal services as priorities for the city. Patton said he shares those priorities and believes his experience leading the police department will help him turn them into measurable results. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining financial stability while pursuing those goals.

The Common Council is scheduled to vote on Patton’s appointment Monday, October 19. If confirmed, Patton will officially become city administrator January 1, 2027. Sagedal, however, has already assumed responsibility for the police department’s daily operations as acting chief, ensuring continuity during the transition. Patton said he is confident that the department will continue moving forward under Sagedal, Dilhoff, and the rest of its experienced command staff.

For Patton, the appointment represents a significant professional advancement, but he emphasized that he is not leaving Kenosha or abandoning the community he has served for two decades. Instead, he said he sees the opportunity as a way to continue that service on a broader scale, working with the mayor, Common Council, department heads, and city employees to improve the community.

In the city’s official announcement, Patton described leading the police department as the greatest honor of his professional life and expressed gratitude to Bogdala for trusting him with the new responsibility. He said the relationships he has developed throughout his career will remain important as he transitions into his new role.

“While I am stepping away from the role of chief, I am not stepping away from this community,” Patton said. “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.”