Community Celebrates Outgoing St. Cloud Police Chief William Blair Anderson

(KNSI) — Prayer, dances, and songs were all offered up at a community celebration on Thursday evening hosted by the local chapter of the NAACP at the former Michael’s Restaurant in St. Cloud for outgoing police chief William Blair Anderson.

One of the men to speak was Assistant Police Chief Jeffrey Oxton, who will take over the top spot. Oxton talked about the philosophies Anderson instilled in the department, including the power of service and integrity.

Anderson says it was proof that the department is in good hands and ready to handle the transition in leadership.

“This was part of the plan all along. So, whether I step out tomorrow, or November, or if I would have stepped out three months ago, they’re ready. Our command staff is ready and they’re going to do fantastic work.”

Anderson talked about the importance of succession. He says it goes deeper than one generation. The force should be set for decades in terms of leadership.

“When I got there I didn’t want the St. Cloud Police Department to have to go outside for at least 25 years. And I think we’ve accomplished that, because the two men that you saw tonight, the new chief and assistant chief, are just the tip of the ice berg. The folks that are coming up behind them will sit in those chairs someday and we’re all very proud of that.”

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis announced Thursday that Commander Brett Mushatt would be promoted to assistant chief.

Waite Park’s top cop, and former sergeant in St. Cloud, Dave Bentrud, was one of the individuals to speak at the celebration. He also used the word pride to describe the department. Bentrud said Anderson had turned the St. Cloud Police Department into a force that he would have liked to have stayed on with and continued to be a part of. Bentrud will be retiring in May.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, who hired Anderson ten years ago recalled watching law enforcement officials on TV during tragedies and difficult times and asked himself who he would feel comfortable having on television representing our community. He said without a doubt it was Chief Anderson. Kleis says morale in the department is the highest it has ever been and that is a testament to Anderson’s leadership, adding that his legacy will be the respect he has earned and the relationships he has built.

Dr. Jerry Wetterling, father of Jacob Wetterling remembered when Chief Anderson took over the department and swapped the phrase “To protect and serve” to say “To serve and protect,” adding that under his leadership, the St. Cloud area has created the Child Advocacy Center, the Community Outpost or COP House, youth camps, school supply drives and backpack giveaways, and community picnics. He thanked the chief for his “firm yet calm leadership” and for living out the 11 for Jacob principles, which are:

Be fair
Be honest
Be thankful
Be joyful
Be generous
Be understanding
Be positive
Be a good sport
Be a good friend
Be gentle with others
Be kind

Anderson’s official retirement date is November 30th.

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KNSI News Director Jennifer Lewerenz contributed to this story.

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