Police chief gone after short stint
Wayne Stolpa steps down amidst controversey
Amanda Hillestad
Issue date: 2/25/10 Section: News
After only one year as police chief, Wayne Stolpa stepped down at the beginning of February amid numerous accusations from Menomonie citizens that he had been "rude and unprofessional." There were also complaints lodged by several Menomonie police officers that were later withdrawn. Though he is giving up his position as chief, Stolpa will stay on in the Menomonie Police Department as a consultant until the end of January 2011, retaining his salary and partial benefits. Many people are not very happy about this decision.
"He's going to be called a consultant, but I doubt if we're ever going to ask him for any consulting services," said Menomonie Mayor Dennis Kropp.
"[This plan is causing] more of Dunn County's taxpayer money [to be] wasted," a concerned citizen commented on a similar story posted by local television station WEAU on its website.
"Why should we pay Wayne Stolpa for another year?"
Stolpa maintains that he acted appropriately but has agreed to step down. He recently released the following statement:
"I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Menomonie. In my time with the City of Menomonie, we made many difficult changes which were for the betterment of this law enforcement agency and the public we serve. I am looking forward to seeing the Police Department continue to develop, and I am excited to begin the process of providing law enforcement services to another agency and to continue training law enforcement personnel throughout the state."According to local television station WQOW, "The Police and Fire Commission still believes Stolpa is highly trained and capable of running a department. However, the commission admits Stolpa made too many changes too fast. All sides agreed it is time to move on."
Stolpa has been temporarily replaced by interim Chief Chris Langlois. Though he is new to the position, Langlois is no stranger to police work or to the city of Menomonie. According to Langlois, he began his law enforcement career in Racine, Wis. in 1972 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In 1976, he came to Menomonie as a patrol officer and has since served the department as a lieutenant and assistant chief.
"He's going to be called a consultant, but I doubt if we're ever going to ask him for any consulting services," said Menomonie Mayor Dennis Kropp.
"[This plan is causing] more of Dunn County's taxpayer money [to be] wasted," a concerned citizen commented on a similar story posted by local television station WEAU on its website.
"Why should we pay Wayne Stolpa for another year?"
Stolpa maintains that he acted appropriately but has agreed to step down. He recently released the following statement:
"I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Menomonie. In my time with the City of Menomonie, we made many difficult changes which were for the betterment of this law enforcement agency and the public we serve. I am looking forward to seeing the Police Department continue to develop, and I am excited to begin the process of providing law enforcement services to another agency and to continue training law enforcement personnel throughout the state."According to local television station WQOW, "The Police and Fire Commission still believes Stolpa is highly trained and capable of running a department. However, the commission admits Stolpa made too many changes too fast. All sides agreed it is time to move on."
Stolpa has been temporarily replaced by interim Chief Chris Langlois. Though he is new to the position, Langlois is no stranger to police work or to the city of Menomonie. According to Langlois, he began his law enforcement career in Racine, Wis. in 1972 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In 1976, he came to Menomonie as a patrol officer and has since served the department as a lieutenant and assistant chief.
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