Deputy Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski has been has been selected to succeed Chief Nicholas Welgat, who will retire later this month.
Kijanowski began his employment with the department 17 years ago on the same day as Welgat, and has served as the department’s deputy chief since May of 2022.
Kijanowski and his wife Melissa have three children and are longtime residents of the community.
“As sad as we are to see Chief Welgat leave,” said City Manager Gary Bradley, “it’s important to note that his replacement has earned the right to serve in the position. He’s put in the work, built relationships and programs and has done what he needed to do to become an effective leader in the field of law enforcement.”
Welgat was named chief on Nov. 3, 2020 after the retirement of Chief Troy Ainley. His retirement date will be this Nov. 13.
Earlier this year Welgat developed lung cancer, and Bradley said his retirement “didn’t come as a surprise to the city.”
“When he was promoted into the chief position three years ago, we expected Chief Welgat to make a big contribution over the course of the next decade or so,” Bradley said, “but there were other plans at work. There are a lot of mixed emotions over Nick’s retirement.”
Bradley said the city proceeded with plans to select Welgat’s replacement, “all the while hoping there might be a change in Welgat’s health, but that change hasn’t yet come to pass.”
At its Nov. 13 meeting the City Council will accept Welgat’s retirement and Kijanowski will be sworn in as chief.
“Nick will be a part of that,” Bradley said. “He’s excited to see a friend he’s worked with for so long become the chief, just like Steve is proud of Nick and is excited to see his friend retire so that he can spend time with his family
“I’m proud of both of them and excited for each of them as well,” Bradley said.
