GC hires new chief

Grove City Safety Director Tom Kulp announced that interim Police Chief Joe Wise was promoted to chief of the Grove City Division of Police Oct. 17. He took office Oct. 22.

"I am very excited and feel very privileged that the city had the confidence in me for this position," said Wise. "It is very humbling."

Kulp, along with Mayor Cheryl Grossman and City Administrator Sharon Reichard, made the selection following an assessment conducted by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

"We had an extremely strong field of internal candidates," said Kulp. "Joe Wise, in my opinion, is a great leader for this agency."

Wise has worked for the department for nearly 24 years, though he was a part-time dispatcher in 1976. In 1984, after serving time as an officer in Whitehall, he came back to Grove City as an officer. He has moved his way up through the ranks and was a captain for the past four years.

Wise is familiar with the duties of chief. He worked daily with former Chief Dennis Deskins, who retired in September, and filled in when Deskins was gone.

The Grove City Division of Police was recently re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Less than 10 percent of law enforcement agencies across the nation receive this accreditation. Wise explained that one of his first orders of business will be to rewrite general orders to comply with the new "more stringent" requirements set forth by CALEA.

"I will be busy with the budget and recruiting," said Wise of his new duties. "I have to get some promotions done. I have two lieutenants but no captain."

Wise also said he plans to sit down with the executive staff and discuss long-term goals for the department.

Kulp noted that the ongoing success of the division of police will be well-served by Wise.

"Joe is a dedicated professional who handles himself with class," said Kulp. "I have no doubt that he will maintain a tradition of excellence, and that all citizens will benefit from his leadership."