By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The two finalists vying to become Bloomington’s next police chief said Tuesday night they’re familiar with virtually every aspect of policing after decades of experience.

Assistant Bloomington Police Chief Dan Donath and the Police Chief of Parkland College in Champaign, William Colbrook, participated in a meet-and-greet event at the city’s Center for the Performing Arts, attracting representatives from various community groups, including the local chapter of Black Lives Matter.

Donath has held many positions at BPD, including chief of operations and leading the office of professional standards.

Donath said he’s a good listener and has an open mind.

“Everybody has their own perspective to things. You and I can watch the same event, but have a different opinion about it because we have a different perspective about it,” said Donath.

“The more you learn to appreciate and respect other peoples’ perspectives and understand them, the more successful you are at resolving situations,” he added.

Colbrook believes building relationships is a key to fighting crime.

“Just like we say in emergency management, you don’t want to wait until a disaster to get to know your emergency management partner. We need to establish relationships ahead of time,” said Colbrook.

“We need to trust one another through those frequent communications and those frequent and critical dialogues.”

Colbrook’s State Police resume includes rising to the rank of Captain, working as the department’s internal auditor and assistant bureau chief for human resources, and serving as chief equal employment opportunity officer.

Donath would start a wellness program because he said it’s an increasingly stressful time to be a police officer.

“I don’t mean just working out and eating right. I mean mental wellness and I mean financial wellness because those are important too,” said Donath.

City Manager Tim Gleason said he will choose the new chief early next week.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]