Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa is calling for the removal of Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales and Fire and Police Commission Chairman Steven DeVougas.
Zamarripa released a statement Thursday morning, hours ahead of the FPC meeting where members will discuss a resolution possibly disciplining or dismissing Morales.
"I have watched the drama unfold for years at the Fire and Police Commission. It is true that I supported Chief Alfonso Morales when he was first appointed under former FPC Chair Marisabel Cabrera," said Zamarripa. "Then, for his appointment to a full four-year term, I supported Chief Morales, again. But today, I can no longer support Chief Morales."
Zamarripa says Morales' unwillingness to compromise on issues is behind why she can no longer support him.
"Whether it is on a 10% cut to the MPD budget or on meeting with the protesters advocating for police reform and the Black Lives Matter movement, he simply refuses to budge," said Zamarripa.
Zamarripa also discussed no longer supporting FPC Chairman DeVougas, who came under fire in 2019 after a leaked video of a controversial police interview, involving DeVougas lead to an ethics violation investigation.
"Just as public trust has been lost with Chief Morales, so too, has it been lost with Mr. DeVougas. The word of his alleged violations of the city’s ethics code has permeated our city and his refusal to shed light and answer questions requested by the very body he chairs is simply unacceptable," said Zamarripa.
Zamarripa is calling on fellow Common Council members and Mayor Tom Barrett to join her in calling for the removal of Morales and DeVougas.
Barrett said on Thursday that the FPC should look for new leadership. DeVougas' position as chair will also be up for a vote at Thursday's meeting.
"It is my sincere belief that we must continue to move forward with real reform, both at the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission," concluded Zamarripa.
