Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Saturday, May 31, 2008
Panel picks Onalaska police chief
ONALASKA, Wis. — A New York City area police chief who once worked with New York police, has an Ivy League education, two law degrees and a decorated U.S. Navy career is set to become the next chief of the Onalaska Police Department.
Dennis L. Weiner, head of the Centre Island Police Department in New York, accepted a contingent offer Friday, said Onalaska Police and Fire Commission Chairwoman Mary Anderson.
Weiner was selected Thursday evening after the commission conducted interviews with the four finalists, Anderson said.
The other finalists were Prairie du Chien (Wis.) police Chief Michael King; Wayne Stolpa, a lieutenant with the town of Madison (Wis.) Police Department; and Jeffrey Trotnic, a lieutenant with the Joplin (Mo.) Police Department.
Weiner holds two law degrees, a master’s degree in organizational management and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., holds a NATO secret/pending top secret clearance and has been heavily involved with the Navy, including still serving as a training officer-in-charge for the Navy Expeditionary Training Command.
Weiner spent 14 years with the New York City Police Department, reaching the rank of sergeant/investigator and training officer before leaving in 1995 to take over as Centre Island chief.
The community of 444 people is off Long Island and is home to rock star Billy Joel, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and the heads of several national corporations.
While at Centre Island, Weiner gained significant attention from several national law enforcement journals for the department’s use of state-of-the-art equipment to better protect the community.
Anderson called Weiner “a team builder” with “futuristic ideas.”
“He’s had a lot of experience with mobile records management and working with other jurisdictions in that area ... ” Anderson said. “He really wants to come and build a department that will make the citizens feel safe.”
Weiner could not be reached for comment Friday.
Before the offer can become official, Weiner must pass a background check along with routine physical and psychological tests, Anderson said.
The Onalaska Common Council also must approve a contract, salary and benefits package.
Anderson said she expects that to be completed in mid-July.
Dan Springer can be reached at dspringer@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8269.
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