Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Three months after assuming the duties of Shawano’s interim police chief, Dan Mauel was named officially to that post Wednesday by the Shawano Police and Fire Commission.
Commission President Tony Zielinski said Mauel had demonstrated his ability to lead the department over the past three months, overseeing a smooth and seamless transition after the departure of Mark Kohl.
No other candidates were interviewed for the job.
“There was no reason to look elsewhere,” Zielinski said.
Mauel’s appointment was effective immediately, which will create a job opening in the department for his former lieutenant’s position.
Zielinski said he expects that post to be filled from within.
“We’re very proud of the opportunities for future advancement in the department,” he said, adding that five or six people had already expressed interest in the job.
The movement up the ranks to lieutenant would also create a new officer vacancy.
Shawano Mayor Jeanne Cronce noted Mauel’s long tenure with the department and was pleased with his appointment.
“The city of Shawano has complete confidence that under Chief Mauel’s leadership our city will continue to be a safe and secure place to live and work,” she said.
Mauel has been in law enforcement for 37 years, 32 of which have been with the Shawano Police Department. He started with the department in September 1980. He then joined the Green Bay Police Department in 1985 but returned to his hometown department in March 1990. He was promoted to lieutenant in September 2002.
He was named interim chief in April, following Kohl’s retirement.
Mauel has an associate degree in police science from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.