Longenbaugh tapped for police chief in 2012
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
After a review process lasting several weeks, Columbia City mayor-elect Ryan Daniel announced this morning that a new leader has been selected for the Columbia City Police Department.
Daniel, who takes office in January, selected 15-year police force veteran and current city police detective Tim Longenbaugh as the new Columbia City Police Chief. A former city councilman, Longenbaugh will replace current police chief Michael Petersen. Longenbaugh's new role will begin January 1, 2012.
All other management level leaders in the city government will remain the same: Michael Dear (Water), Larry Whetstone (Electric), Michael Cook (Wastewater), Tom LaRue (Fire Chief), Kelly Cearbaugh (Street/Sewer), Terry Wherry (Communications) and Mark Green (Parks and Recreation).
“After a fairly lengthy application and interview process, I have chosen eight individuals who have the skill set and proactive foresight to lead these departments. The residents of the city can be assured that we have strong and knowledgeable leaders in these key positions,” stated Daniel.
“All of the applicants were highly qualified for the positions and I want to thank them for being willing to step into a leadership role,” added Daniel.
Daniel said he received 20 applications for the eight open department management positions.