MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – An investigation into the actions of former Fire and Police Commission (FPC) member Randy Gershman and current member Andy Keogh has concluded and found that neither case met the legal requirements for action to be taken.
A complaint filed in April of 2021 detailed ongoing alleged misconduct by Gershman and Keogh. According to a copy of the complaint, over 100 citizens of Marshfield signed the petition to look into Gershman’s activity while on the commission.
The complaint referenced conversations with former police chief Rick Gramza about the commission and former Mayor Bob McManus’s alleged desire to disband the commission.
The decision by the Portage County Sheriff’s Department said the claims made against Gershman included: “Policy/Ethics violations, open meetings violations, failure to maintain records, perjury, inadequate oversight, failure to maintain a safe working environment, and adoption of a particular policy.”
According to the decision, claims made against Keogh included: “Agreements signed without authority, open meetings violations, failure to maintain records, inadequate oversight, failure to maintain a safe working environment, and adoption of a particular policy.”
The Portage County Sheriff’s Department was called to investigate the complaint as an outside entity, free of prior contact with the situation. The department’s investigation eventually cleared Keogh and Gershman from any criminal liability.
Gershman said he appreciates the time and effort that went into the investigation and believes he had not done anything to disparage the integrity of the commission.
“I respect the due diligence and thoroughness that the Portage County Sheriff’s Department took during this investigation,” Gershman said. “I had full confidence that Andy and myself were clear of any wrongdoing or allegations as a result of this complaint and agree with the outcome of the investigation.”
Wood County District Attorney Craig S. Lambert said the Wood County District Attorney’s Office would take no action on the complaints.
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