Council confirms Dana Pellevan to Police and Fire Commission after heated public comment

The Fitchburg Common Council voted on May 12 to appoint Dana Pellevan to the Police & Fire Commission, a panel that approves hiring and discipline for the city’s police and fire departments.

Pellevan, who said she has more than 30 years of experience coordinating services with law enforcement and serving in county and statewide appointed roles, told the council she has supervised large staffs, written personnel handbooks and trained officers in trauma‑informed care. She told the council she is no longer a board member of the nonprofit Freedom Inc. and denied organizing or directing protesters at a previously contentious meeting, saying she left that meeting early and had met privately with the police chief beforehand.

The appointment drew extensive public comment. Opponents and some former officials said Pellevan’s past association with Freedom Inc. and participation in protests made her an inappropriate choice for a commission that can suspend or remove police and fire personnel. Tom Plutters, a longtime Fitchburg resident and retired officer, said Pellevan had been part of a group that publicly urged the city to reduce policing and that the appointment would harm department morale. "If they use deadly force or [misconduct] occurs, the Police and Fire Commission may judge them," Plutters said, urging caution.

Supporters—including several alderpersons and community leaders—argued that Pellevan’s professional record, including coordinating restorative justice and victim‑services programs and working with county and state agencies, makes her qualified. Multiple council members cited a letter of recommendation from Dane County Sheriff Calvin Barrett, which was entered into the record.

Councilors questioned Pellevan about human resources and disciplinary experience; she said she has hired, fired and drafted personnel policies for organizations with more than 100 employees. She also addressed claims that she had directed disruptive protests, saying there is no evidence she organized such actions and that board membership does not necessarily mean knowledge of every protest or message voiced by volunteers.

After council discussion and a roll‑call vote, the motion to appoint Pellevan carried. The council entered a record of the sheriff's supporting letter and noted the appointment will run through April 21, 2031.

Why it matters: The Police & Fire Commission holds consequential authority over hiring and discipline for city public‑safety staff. Council members said they weighed Pellevan’s extensive experience against concerns raised by residents; the appointment reflects a deliberate choice to include a member with advocacy and victim‑service experience on a board that oversees personnel decisions.

What’s next: The commission will convene as needed to consider hiring, promotion and discipline cases within its statutory authority.