SOUTH WAYNE - For the time being, the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department will provide police coverage of South Wayne, while the village board considers its options.
The board on April 14 accepted Chief Randall Poirier's resignation and is trying to decide the best way to ensure police protection in the village.
Poirier's last day is Wednesday.
Village Clerk Phil Carroll said Monday no permanent plans have been developed for police protection, but he said he expects the board to make a decision in the "near future." Carroll said there is not a specific board or committee or a date on which the issue will be addressed.
Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley said last week his department would respond to calls in the village in the absence of a police officer, just as it has done in the past.
Starting Thursday, South Wayne residents who need to contact the police department should call the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department at 776-4870. Poirier said those who call the South Wayne Police Department will be told to contact the sheriff's department. Emergency 9-1-1 calls will go directly to the sheriff's department as they do now, he said.
One of the options available to the village is to enter into a law enforcement contract with the sheriff's department to provide police protection. The department has similar contracts with Belmont and Blanchardville.
"That might be their next step," Carroll said, in reference to the board.
The board also could decide to seek a replacement for Poirier.
Poirier requested the sheriff's department patrol the village and respond to calls whenever he was on vacation. He was the only officer in the village and worked about 50 hours a week.
Poirier, who has been the chief for about eight years, accepted a position with the Owen Police Department.
The board on April 14 accepted Chief Randall Poirier's resignation and is trying to decide the best way to ensure police protection in the village.
Poirier's last day is Wednesday.
Village Clerk Phil Carroll said Monday no permanent plans have been developed for police protection, but he said he expects the board to make a decision in the "near future." Carroll said there is not a specific board or committee or a date on which the issue will be addressed.
Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley said last week his department would respond to calls in the village in the absence of a police officer, just as it has done in the past.
Starting Thursday, South Wayne residents who need to contact the police department should call the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department at 776-4870. Poirier said those who call the South Wayne Police Department will be told to contact the sheriff's department. Emergency 9-1-1 calls will go directly to the sheriff's department as they do now, he said.
One of the options available to the village is to enter into a law enforcement contract with the sheriff's department to provide police protection. The department has similar contracts with Belmont and Blanchardville.
"That might be their next step," Carroll said, in reference to the board.
The board also could decide to seek a replacement for Poirier.
Poirier requested the sheriff's department patrol the village and respond to calls whenever he was on vacation. He was the only officer in the village and worked about 50 hours a week.
Poirier, who has been the chief for about eight years, accepted a position with the Owen Police Department.