Shorewood looks to hire new police chief by start of next year

The village of Shorewood expects to hire a new police chief by the start of next year, Mayor Clarence “CC” DeBold said.

DeBold said the village is taking applications through early next month to replace Police Chief Aaron Klima, who has been serving as the interim village administrator since May.

The board declined to reappoint former village administrator Jim Culotta after DeBold and other members were elected last April. Klima has been serving in the role on an interim basis since then.

DeBold lauded Klima and said he was well-versed on the issues facing the village, such as finding a new water source and managing personnel.

“He’s been doing a tremendous job,” DeBold said. “He’s been able to jump in and get caught up on different issues and topics.”

The mayor added that Klima had served as the interim village administrator before Culotta was hired so he has experience in the role.

The village posted the job opening for a new police chief online. It said the salary range for a new chief will be from about $123,000 to $144,000 per year depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

A candidate will need at least a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of law enforcement experience.

The village is taking applications for a new police chief until Oct. 2. The village is using three independent advisors to help with the hiring process, DeBold said.

DeBold said the village should have ample time to identify and hire a new police chief by the new year. He said the process is “pretty straightforward.”