The New Year brings change and new opportunity to the Superior Police Department.
The department's longest serving member is making plans to retire, paving the way for several promotions.
The city's Police and Fire Commission on Wednesday confirmed the plan that will guide the transition as Assistant Chief Scott Campbell retires.
Campbell, who has been with the department since 1976, plans to step down and begin his retirement Jan. 1.
"There's like six or seven moves on the chess board because a top-ranking person is leaving," Peters said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Longtime police officer, Capt. Charles LaGesse, moves to the assistant chief's position when Campbell retires. That vacancy paves the way for traffic Sgt. Matt Markon to move up to captain with oversight of the department's patrol division. Sgt. Mark McGillis, a patrol division supervisor, takes over Markon's role. Detective Mike Jaszczak steps in as a patrol sergeant. Officer John Kiel moves to the detective's position and hiring is underway to replace Kiel in the patrol division.
The commission Wednesday confirmed the supervisory candidates -- LaGesse, Markon and Jaszczak. Each serves a one-year probationary period in their new positions.
LaGesse, who joined the department in 1981, has served as a manager in the department since the early 1990s. During his tenure as captain, he's had oversight of the investigations, then patrol divisions, Peters said.
"Based on his training, his law enforcement experience, he is the most qualified candidate in the department to be promoted to this position," Peters said. "And he's certainly a trusted, loyal member of my staff and is a tremendous representative of our department in the community -- well known and well respected."
LaGesse holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management and communication from Concordia University. He's a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy and the FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. In addition to his prior education, Peters said LaGesse currently working toward a master's degree in a police executive program.
Markon has served with the department since 1991, serving as an officer, a patrol sergeant and most recently as the department's traffic sergeant.
The traffic sergeant position requires a lot of administrative skill, Peters said.
"He has demonstrated that he deserves to be appointed to captain based on his excellent performance as a law enforcement supervisor and our traffic sergeant," Peters said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Councilor Dennis Dalbec, liaison to the commission, said he is disappointed by Markon's promotion because "he's a great traffic sergeant.
"He does a great job," Dalbec said.
Jaszczak, who has twice served as an acting sergeant when supervisors were on leave to the military, has most recently served as a detective. He's been with the department since 1995.
"He's had a diversity of experience that makes him an excellent candidate, as well as more than a year of experience as a supervisor that make him a natural candidate and strong leader," Peters said.
The changes approved by the commission go into effect Jan. 1.
"I was very pleased to report to the police and fire commission that I have excellent candidates that are being promoted, and I have full confidence and I'm excited the opportunity's before us," Peters said. "I am excited because some departments struggle with that."
Shelley Nelson is available at snelson@superiortelegram.com or (715) 395-5022.
