From the chief’s desk
Monthly update • July 2026 recap
A note from Chief Thompson
Officers continued building relationships with residents through youth programs, neighborhood events, and everyday community contacts.
July was a month that reminded us how quickly lives can change. Our community experienced the tragic death of a bicyclist, and we continue to keep everyone affected by that loss in our thoughts.
Incidents like this reinforce why traffic safety remains one of our highest priorities. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians all have a role in keeping our streets safe. Slow down, stay alert, follow the rules of the road, and give one another the space needed to travel safely.
July also showed the strength of the relationships our officers have built throughout Middleton. Through Youth Academy, Kick It With a Cop, school visits, neighborhood events, and everyday conversations, our officers continued connecting with the people we serve. Those relationships matter, especially during difficult times, and we will keep showing up for this community.
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Traffic safety update
Officers continued enforcement focused on driving behaviors that put motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk.
Throughout July, officers continued working to curb unsafe driving habits and protect everyone using our streets, whether they were traveling by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot.
Enforcement focused on speeding, failure to yield, red-light and stop-sign violations, distracted driving, unsafe turns, and other behaviors that can lead to serious crashes.
Traffic safety is shared work. Drivers should expect bicyclists and pedestrians, bicyclists should follow traffic laws and ride predictably, and pedestrians should stay alert when entering intersections and crosswalks. A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a tragedy.
Significant case highlight
Quick action by citizens helped save the life of a two-year-old child.
On July 15, 2026, at approximately 1:25 p.m., Middleton Police and EMS were dispatched to the Staybridge Suites for a two-year-old child who had been found pulseless and not breathing in a hot tub in the pool area.
Before officers arrived, citizens had already started CPR. The child regained consciousness and was breathing on her own when emergency responders reached the scene.
The investigation found no indication of foul play or intentional neglect. The child had entered the hot tub without the parent or others realizing it.
Thanks to the quick action and lifesaving efforts of the citizens who stepped in, the child made a full recovery.
Personnel update
Howard Statz was promoted to sergeant in July.
Summer intern Ollie has been a valuable addition to the department.
Sgt. Howard Statz
Please join us in congratulating Howard Statz on his promotion to sergeant. Sgt. Statz brings experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to serving the department and the Middleton community.
Intern appreciation
We also want to recognize our summer intern, Ollie, a student at Madison College who has been a great addition to our team. Our interns help with a wide range of work during the busy summer months, including ride-alongs, special events, and department projects.
Several former interns have gone on to become full-time members of the department, and we are glad to give students an opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and public service. Thank you, Ollie, for your hard work and dedication this summer.
Community outreach and SRO update
Youth Academy gave students a hands-on look at police work, public safety, and service.
Officers spent time with students and families at summer programs and community events throughout July.
Youth Academy was another major success this summer. Students spent the week learning about police work, meeting officers, participating in hands-on activities, and building a better understanding of public safety.
Our School Resource Officers also stayed active throughout July. They provided tours of Kromrey Middle School and the Police Department, supported summer school programs, mentored students, and met with young people interested in law enforcement careers.
Officers took part in Kick It With a Cop with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, joined a community basketball court grand opening, and spent time playing soccer with students at Sauk Trail Elementary. SROs also checked in with students and families outside of school and helped connect them with department resources.
Behind the scenes, the SRO Unit continued working with school district staff, the Office of School Safety, and Dane County partners on safety planning, restorative justice practices, and juvenile referral procedures.
This work may not always draw a crowd, but it is a major part of how we build trust, prevent problems, and stay connected with students and families throughout the year.
School safety and preparedness
SROs are preparing with school district staff for the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
August will include extensive preparation for the start of school. SROs will partner with the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District on annual district-wide safety training, review Standard Response Protocols, and test lockdown systems at each school.
Officers will also complete virtual training through the Wisconsin Office of School Safety and continue reviewing school and community facilities using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles.
Freshmen return on August 27, officially beginning the 2026–2027 school year.
