One of my most important duties as mayor is to seek out and find the best talent available to perform the vital functions and services our residents depend on. We have identified our public safety departments as our top priority in service to you. On August 27, 2024, the City of Mishawaka witnessed a momentous leadership transition within our Police Department, underscoring our steadfast commitment to public safety and community service. The retirement of Chief Ken Witkowski marks not just the end of an era but also the culmination of a career that has profoundly shaped the safety and security of our city. Simultaneously, the promotions of Alex Arendt to Chief of Police and Tim Wiley to Assistant Chief of the Investigative Division herald a new chapter in Mishawaka's proud law enforcement history.
Chief Ken Witkowski's retirement is a landmark event in the life of our city. For over three decades, he served the Mishawaka Police Department with unwavering dedication, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the safety of our residents. His leadership was instrumental in also look to the future with optimism and transforming our police department, fostering a culture of innovation, and prioritizing community engagement. Chief Witkowski's tenure was characterized by the development and implementation of initiatives that strengthened the relationship to public safety, community engagement, between our police force and the residents they are sworn to protect.
Under his guidance, the Mishawaka Police Department has grown and modernized, establishing a solid foundation for future generations of leadership. Witkowski's legacy is one of service, dedication, and a profound commitment to public safety. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, and we are deeply grateful for his many years of leadership.
While he may be retiring as Chief of Police, his dedication to Mishawaka is far from over. I never let good people make a clean break! I offered and Chief Witkowski has graciously accepted the role of Code Enforcement Director, where he will oversee the city's code enforcement efforts. In this new capacity, he will ensure Mishawaka remains a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained community for all. His experience, leadership, and deep understanding of our city make him the ideal candidate to continue serving Mishawaka in this vital role.
As we honor Chief Witkowski's legacy, we also look to the future with optimism and confidence. On August 27, 2024, we proudly swore in Alex Arendt as the new Chief of Police. Chief Arendt's career with the Mishawaka Police Department has been marked by a steadfast commitment to public safety, community engagement, and professional excellence.
His background in Criminal Justice, combined with advanced training in law enforcement leadership, has prepared him to lead our department into the future. Throughout his career, Chief Arendt has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, particularly in his role overseeing the department's services and administrative functions. His proactive approach to community policing has earned him the respect and trust of both his colleagues and the residents of Mishawaka. As Chief of Police, Arendt plans to introduce innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our police force, all while maintaining the high standards of public safety that Mishawaka residents have come to expect and deserve. Alex was one of the first officers that I met when I became a Councilman 25 years ago. I was immediately impressed with his character, judgement and temperament when he was an officer assigned to the Neighborhood Enforcement Team. Since then, he has served as Assistant Commander at the METRO Homicide Unit before it was disbanded and most recently as Assistant Chief of the Services Division. We have been preparing Alex to take over the role of Chief of Police knowing Chief Witkowski would be retiring. Chief Arendt has my total confidence and is fully ready and capable to run the best police department in the State of Indiana!
Chief Arendt and I also announce the promotion of Sgt. Tim Wiley to Assistant Chief of the Investigative Division This appointment further strengthens our department's leadership team. Detective Wiley, who has served our community with dedication and distinction, will be taking on the role previously held by Assistant Chief Dan Gebo. Gebo, a respected officer with a long and successful career, is retiring but will continue to serve Mishawaka as a School Resource Officer for the School City of Mishawaka. Investigator Wiley's promotion is a recognition of his hard work, dedication, and expertise in law enforcement. His experience and leadership within the Investigative Division will be invaluable as he takes on this new role.
Thanks to the support of our City Council, we were able to "civilianize" the role of Assistant Chief of the Services Division that Chief Arendt has vacated. This position has traditionally been filled by a sworn officer. Duties include management of the records and evidence departments, overseeing training, procurement, fleet and budget management within the department. It's a big job. By civilianizing the job, we are able to reduce the pay and free up a sworn officer to work in the field. I'm proud to announce that Brad Haney is now serving as our newly created Services Director position. Brad retired from the MPD in 2019 after twenty years of service. He then worked in the finance industry where he gained valuable budget and finance experience. Brad has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance.
These leadership transitions within the Mishawaka Police Department and Code Enforcement reflect our city's dedication to excellence in public service. We are fortunate to have leaders like Ken Witkowski, Alex Arendt, Tim Wiley, Dan Gebo and Brad Haney who have dedicated their careers to protecting and serving our community. Their experience, leadership, and vision will continue to guide Mishawaka forward, ensuring that our city remains a vibrant and safe place to live, work, and raise a family. Indeed, we have never been as talented as we are now from top to bottom. And, at this point in time, we are fully staffed for the first time in a couple years at the MPD!
In other notable City of Mishawaka staff moves, Jill Norton, a longtime Mishawaka Utilities Wastewater division staff member, has been promoted to Division Manager following the retirement of Tim Brill. I also promoted John Roggeman, to Corporate Counsel for the City of Mishawaka. John has served the city well as a staff attorney and as a former Mishawaka Common Councilman.