Chief’s arrest leaves Eleva without police

The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department will provide law enforcement for the village of Eleva which has neither a police officer nor a squad car following the arrest of its police chief.

Patrick McKillip, 54, of Chippewa Falls, who was arrested for driving under the influence on Jan. 5, is on administrative leave and was the village’s only officer. His squad car was damaged in the incident. McKillip had been an Eleva police officer since 1998. 

He is scheduled to appear in court April 23.

The village is close to hiring an administrator who would oversee and schedule part-time of-ficers, according to Sheriff Brett Semingson who is also a village trustee. The village does not currently have any part-time officers. He said the village is also working to replace the squad car.

Village residents should continue to use 911 for emergencies or contact the dispatch center at 715-538-4351 for non-emergencies, Semingson said.