Donath selected as Bloomington’s next police chief

Posted on August 28, 2019
Dan Donath was named as Bloomington’s next police chief during a news conference Wednesday at city hall. (Neil Doyle/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason has selected Dan Donath as the city’s next police chief.

Gleason made the announcement Wednesday during a news conference at city hall.

Donath, who joined BPD in 1994, was a finalist along with Parkland College Chief William Colbrook. Both emerged from a national search following Chief Clay Wheeler’s retirement in June.

“I’m very pleased with this process and the outcome,” said Gleason. “We had a group of very strong candidates to consider, and I truly know Dan is ready to lead and excel in his new role. I thank the community for their participation in the selection.”

Donath has held many jobs at BPD, including assistant chief and most recently splitting time as interim chief.

“One of the things I want to first accomplish would be a full review of everything we do at the department and why we do it,” said Donath.  “I want to ensure that we aren’t doing things today because that’s what we did 20 years ago.  Then, what does it (BPD) look like the rest of 2019 and the next five years.”

Donath takes over as chief immediately.  His salary will be $151,000.  A formal swearing in ceremony will be held Sept. 9.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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