This investigative report from The Badger Project, published on October 17, 2023, examines how several police officers fired or forced out from previous law enforcement positions have returned to duty in northwest Wisconsin. Reporter Peter Cameron reviewed Wisconsin Department of Justice data showing nearly 300 currently employed officers in the state were previously dismissed or resigned under negative circumstances.

The article profiles five specific officers: Noah Bunt of Hurley PD, Brittany Letica of Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office, Damen Rankin of UW–Superior PD, Jay Thums of Price County Sheriff’s Office, and Grant Schuenemann of Three Lakes PD. It details the reasons behind their prior separations — ranging from policy violations to performance issues — and how they were later rehired elsewhere. The piece also contextualizes the findings within a statewide officer shortage and recent transparency laws requiring the maintenance of law enforcement work histories.