(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton has been selected by Mayor David Bogdala to become the next City Administrator for the City of Kenosha, according to a source within City Hall. The appointment is subject to approval by the Kenosha Common Council, which is expected to approve the selection. Patton would replace longtime City Administrator John Morrissey, who announced earlier this year that he would retire at the end of 2026. Patton is expected to officially begin his new role on January 1, 2027.
Patton, who rose through the ranks of the Kenosha Police Department before being appointed chief, is widely regarded as a respected and approachable leader. He served in numerous positions throughout his law enforcement career, rising from patrol officer through the supervisory ranks before being promoted directly from captain to police chief, bypassing the traditional inspector and deputy chief positions. Since taking over the department, Patton has earned praise from community leaders, elected officials, and members of the police department, including both rank-and-file officers and senior command staff.
Throughout his tenure as chief, Patton has maintained an unusually accessible and transparent relationship with local news organizations, including Kenosha County Eye. He has routinely made himself available to answer questions, explain department operations, and provide information about significant public safety incidents. His willingness to communicate openly with the public and the media has been a hallmark of his leadership.
Technological Advances Under Patton’s Leadership
Patton has also overseen significant technological improvements within the Kenosha Police Department, including advancements in body-worn cameras, expanded camera capabilities, and the implementation of the department’s Drone as First Responder program. The drone initiative allows law enforcement to deploy aerial technology to certain calls for service, providing officers and supervisors with valuable information before personnel arrive on scene.
The department’s increased use of technology has helped modernize policing in Kenosha, giving officers additional tools to document encounters, investigate crimes, and respond to emergencies. Patton has also emphasized transparency, accountability, and communication throughout his tenure, maintaining relationships with community stakeholders and members of the department.
Several people within the Kenosha Police Department have expressed that Patton’s departure will represent a significant loss for the agency. While his appointment to city administrator would keep him involved in municipal government and working closely with public safety officials, his day-to-day leadership at the police department will come to an end.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal Expected To Lead Department During Transition
Seasoned Kenosha Police Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal, a 27-year veteran of the department, is expected to assume leadership of the Kenosha Police Department as interim chief following Patton’s departure. Sagedal joined the department in 1999 and has served in numerous capacities, including detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, inspector, and deputy chief.
Sagedal is expected to provide continuity while the city moves forward with selecting a permanent police chief. He is likely to remain in the interim position through much of 2027, potentially until early 2028, depending on the timing of the selection process and necessary approvals. Patton is also expected to begin transitioning into his new responsibilities at City Hall over the next several weeks, working alongside Morrissey before officially taking over in January.
Morrissey’s Retirement Announced In July
As Kenosha County Eye previously reported, Morrissey’s retirement was announced in July, with his final day scheduled for December 31, 2026. The city subsequently advertised the city administrator position, offering an annual salary range of $168,492 to $251,184. The position is among the most influential unelected positions in Kenosha city government, responsible for overseeing municipal departments, managing administrative operations, and implementing policies established by the mayor and Common Council.
Mayor Bogdala previously indicated that the city would undertake a professional selection process to find Morrissey’s replacement. Patton’s selection would place a longtime Kenosha law enforcement leader into a position overseeing the broader operations of city government, including departments and services outside public safety.
Patton’s appointment remains subject to the necessary approval process, and additional details regarding his compensation, the formal transition, and the timeline for selecting his permanent replacement at the police department have not yet been publicly announced.
This is a developing story. Kenosha County Eye expects to have additional information later today.
