NEW BERLIN – It was announced at the Town of New Berlin board meeting Monday night that the Police Chief, Dominck Commesso, had submitted his letter of resignation which was approved by all members of the board.

“I was caught unaware and off guard,” said Supervisor Robert Starr. “I had gotten information over the weekend. He gave no explanation, no advance notice.”

Starr said he has not been able to contact Commesso and is still not sure of his reasonings for his departure.

“I thought the department was on the move forward, as we recently hired a full time officer and things were looking up,” said Starr.

In April, another part time New Berlin Police Officer, Captain Rick McCulskey, entered his resignation, that was accepted April 6, 2014. “The new administration wanted to focus on traffic tickets,” McCulskey said. “I got involved with the K-9’s and didn’t see the support for that.”

McCulskey said he has more than 30 years in the law enforcement field, and will be working with another department helping out.

“Commesso was proactive with the youth and the community, and did well stemming the drugs in the area,” said McCulskey. “I don’t know what the administration’s future plans with the department are.”

Neither Starr nor former New Berlin Captain McCulskey said they could be certain as to the exact future of the department.

“I want the police department to succeed,” said Starr. “Commesso seemed to be going well, and the new full time officer was learning the job. I have no interest in disbanding the department.”

Starr added that is is difficult to find people who are qualified and certified, but he has been involved in discussions with area agencies and said he will be speaking with civil service. He said his intentions were to have two full time officers, one to cover days, and one to cover nights. Additionally, he said there were the part time officers to fill in when they were available.

A post to the Town of New Berlin Police Facebook page read, “Effective immediately, administrators of this site will no longer monitor or maintain this Facebook page. Any questions or concerns regarding the Police Department should be directed to the Town Supervisor/Police Commissoner - Bob Starr.”

Starr said he is unaware of who monitors the page, and said he, the town clerk, nor the officers have access to the page. “I would like to get control of that page back, or start a new one. It’s a good outlet to the community if used properly.”

“I haven’t been able to contact him (Commesso),” said Starr. “I am as confused as anyone.”

Attempts to make contact with Commesso have been unsuccessful as of press time.