The Village of Hortonville on Jan. 16, 2025, ceremonially swore in Brian Barr as chief of the Hortonville Police Department and approved an updated police chief job description and a contract for the position.

Todd Timm, district administrator of the Hortonville Area School District, addressed the board during pre-registered public comment to thank the village for promoting Sergeant Barr to chief and to describe Barr’s 15 years working as the school resource officer. "He has helped us in the worst of the worst tragedies," Timm said, listing examples including deaths and suicide response and commending Barr’s relationships with regional first responders.

The board approved the amended job description, with a change requested by trustee Eugene Goyle to add a requirement that staff timely communicate to the village board about issues that should be disclosed to the board before they become public. A motion to approve the job description with the noted change passed by voice/roll call vote; the motion was seconded and the board recorded affirmative votes and declared the motion carried.

Separately, the board approved a contract agreement for the police chief. According to the meeting record, the contract was drawn by the village attorney based on prior board discussion; the board voted to approve the contract by roll call and the motion carried.

Following the approvals, Barr repeated the oath of office, referencing his certification and swearing to support the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin and to "faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of office" of the Hortonville Police Department. The oath included recognition of the Law Enforcement Standards Board. The board offered brief congratulations after the swearing-in.

The approvals made at the meeting were procedural actions to finalize personnel documentation and the employment contract; no additional contract terms, compensation amounts, or effective dates were detailed in the public record presented at the meeting.

The discussion and public comment indicated strong support from the Hortonville Area School District for Barr’s promotion and for continued collaboration between the school district and the police department.