Leadership Kenosha began the new year with a January session focused on public safety, justice, and community impact. Participants spent much of the day at the Kenosha County Public Safety Building, where they explored the many functions of the Kenosha Police Department and gained insight into how local systems work together to serve the community.
Sergeant Cory Brennan (LK ’24) returned for a second year to guide participants through professional problem-solving frameworks and strategies. During the tour of the Kenosha Police Department, participants also had the opportunity to meet Tilly, the Kenosha Police Department’s first-ever therapy dog, whose presence highlighted the department’s commitment to wellness and support.
In the afternoon, Leadership Kenosha participants engaged in two powerful panel discussions that examined the justice system from multiple perspectives. The first panel featured judicial and law enforcement leaders, including Chief Patrick Patton, Sheriff David Zoerner, Judge Gerad Dougvillo, Public Defender Kristyne Watson, Victim/Witness Coordinator Heather Beasy, and District Attorney Xavier Solis. The panelists discussed incarceration, rehabilitation, and how the justice system impacts individuals, families, and victims in Kenosha.
The second panel featured residents at Kenosha Correctional Center. The panelists reflected on the paths that led to their incarceration, their day-to-day experiences while in care, and their hopes for successful reentry into the community. Their stories highlighted the human realities within the justice system and the importance of rehabilitation, prompting our LK leaders to reflect on systemic issues and explore pathways toward meaningful change.
Posted on
January 22, 2026