Waite Park Police Chief Chosen from Within Department

(KNSI) — Waite Park has selected its next chief of police, who comes from among its ranks.

Sergeant Anthony Reznicek has spent 18 years in law enforcement, including the last ten with the city.

“It’s always nice to take somebody you know,” said Mayor Rick Miller. “When you don’t know some of the people, you don’t know what you’re getting. This way, we know what we’re getting. Tony’s done a good job in Waite Park for us. He wants the job. He told us he’s not leaving whether he got the job or not. He’s very excited and enthused and I think he’ll do a good job.”

In an interview with KNSI, Miller explained Reznicek stood out because “He’ll get involved in the community. He’ll work with the citizens. I think he’s going to be easy to access. I don’t think he’s going to hide in his office. He’s going to be out in the public, and he’s going to do his PR work with the citizens and I think that’s what we’re looking for.”

Reznicek has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and spent five years as a school resource officer and investigator with Waite Park. Before that, Reznicek was a police officer in East Grand Forks. He is also a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and served two combat tours.

According to the city clerk’s office, Reznicek will earn $105,000 a year.

Police Chief Dave Bentrud will retire at the end of May. He’s served Waite Park as chief for 15 years and spent 32 years in law enforcement.

Reznicek will start on May 27th.

___