News

St. Cloud names Rich Wilson interim police chief

Photo:

Jan 24, 2012 at 1:12 pm

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KNSI) - St. Cloud Assistant Police Chief Rich Wilson was named interim chief of the department Wednesday and will take over temporary command of the city's police force following the retirement of current chief Dennis Ballantine later this month.

Wilson, a 21-year veteran of the department, will take the reins Jan. 28. Ballantine will end a decade of service to the St. Cloud Police Department when he enters retirement Jan. 27.

The city will soon begin a nationwide search to fill Ballantine's position on a permanent basis, St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis said.

After a citizens committee fields and screens applications, Kleis will interview the three top finalists and ulimately select the new chief. That process should be completed by summer.