Lieutenant Jacob Carroll of the Stanley Fire Department addressed the City Council at the Council meeting on August 19th to petition for the appointment of Captain Nathan Samplawski of the Stanley Fire Department as Fire Chief. Carroll stated, “Since the termination of Chief Korey Hagenson, Captain Nathan Samplawski has shown drastic measures of leadership, discipline, character and the motivation to move forward and better the department.” He highlighted Samplawski’s extensive experience and qualifications noting five and a half years of experience in the fire service with roles such as Captain, Training Officer, and Fire Inspector. Samplawski’s qualifications include Fire Officer Certification, Fire Inspector, and EMR along with four years active-duty service in the United States Army and four years in the Wisconsin National Guard. Carroll continued, “Within his time in the military, he was an acting team leader and squad leader.” He requested that the matter be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
“We appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your favorable decision,” Carroll finished and presented a petition to the Council signed by nine members of the Stanley Fire Department.
Jody Halterman, a Firefighter on the Stanley Fire Department also shared his thoughts with the Council. “I’m here tonight on behalf of the Fire Department,” he began and said that there was a paper for a vote on officer positions, Fire Chief position, and Assistant Chief position.
“I don’t know how that came about,” he began and mentioned that he received an email regarding the vote sheet. He explained that there were no write in positions on the voting sheet and he turned what was presented into City Hall.
“I’m a member of the department for many years. I enjoy it. I’m here to serve my community.” Halterman stated that he wanted to present that to the Council so they would know what’s going on because “there’s a lot of turmoil in this situation.”

Water Department
Water Operator in Charge Dan Demske has resigned effective August 25th. Demske stated that he was unable to provide the required sixty-day notice as required in the employee handbook due to starting another job and understands that he will lose all remaining paid time off. Demske, who has been working at the Water Department since 2021, thanked the Mayor and City Administrator “for the opportunity to work for the City of Stanley.” The Council accepted his resignation at the Monday evening meeting and voted to begin the application process for a Public Works Water employee beginning at $25 per hour minimum.