With 30 years of law enforcement experience, Capt. Dan Warren, of the Caledonia Police Department, has been tapped as Caledonia’s next police chief.
The Caledonia Police and Fire Commission chose Warren among four internal candidates to replace outgoing police chief Toby Schey at a meeting held Monday. The decision does not require approval from the Village Board. However, Warren’s salary still needs to be negotiated.
Dave Wyatt, president of the Police and Fire Commission, said he was impressed with the high quality of candidates that stepped forward to apply for the position.
“But Dan’s experience level and his credentials stood out,” Wyatt said. “He’s been to all different types of colleges, he held the captain job, and he’s best prepared to step into the chief’s job.”
Schey, whose last day is Dec. 18, announced his retirement last month after 24 years of being on the job.
“I am going to miss Toby,” Wyatt said. “He did a tremendous job as chief, but I think Dan will step up and he will keep the things Toby set into motion going and make improvements as necessary.”
Warren started his law enforcement career while he was attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on the campus police department. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in administration and criminal justice in 1987, Warren also attended Northwestern University’s Police Command School in 2012.
He is currently serving as interim police chief now, but formally will take over the job next week. Caledonia village administrator Tom Christensen will be involved with the salary negotiation process.
Warren’s salary has not been set. Once negotiated, the Caledonia Village Board will still need to approve Warren’s salary.