Local news- Press Release
Windsor Colorado - Klimek Announces Retirement as Windsor Chief of Police 04 January 2024 ( news )
Windsor , state Colorado ( By Press Release office)
Jan 04,2024
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WINDSOR , Colo . — After 38 years with the Windsor Police Department , Chief of Police Richard A . Klimek has announced he will retire this January .
Klimek’s retirement , effective Friday , Jan . 19 , will mark the end of an illustrious law enforcement career spent entirely in Windsor , including a nearly 8 - year tenure as Chief of Police . After starting with the department as a patrol officer in 1985 , Klimek climbed the ranks to sergeant , lieutenant , and eventually chief upon the retirement of former Chief John Michaels in 2016 .
Commander Aaron Lopez will lead the department as Interim Chief of Police pending the completion of the recruiting process for Klimek’s permanent successor .
While with the department , Klimek has watched the community grow from a small town into a larger community and has faced the challenges that come with that growth , including the expansion of the department and addition of resources to help maintain the level of service it has had for decades .
“One of the best leadership qualities Chief Klimek has is his sense of community . He didn’t just protect us , he’s led us all to safety , ” said Windsor Mayor Paul Rennemeyer . “As we grew , as our needs as a community changed , Chief Klimek took initiative and set the standard that has made us one of the safest communities in the nation . ”
Rennemeyer added: “Under his excellent example as a distinguished officer and sergeant and now as our police chief for almost 8 years , his strong leadership will be greatly missed . ”
Klimek has also been witness to a lot of Windsor’s recent history , including the tornado that struck Windsor on May 22 , 2008 . The EF3 storm claimed one life and resulted in $147 million in damages ( in 2008 dollars ) , according to the National Weather Service . In fact , it was Windsor’s response to the tornado , Klimek says , that taught him an important lesson about the importance of the public’s support .
“Our community survives and thrives on the interactions of the public , ” Klimek said . “We can’t be successful at what we do without them . ”
During Klimek’s tenure as Chief of Police , the Windsor Police Department has racked up many impressive achievements , including:
Leading the community to be recognized as the Safest City in Colorado in 2018 by SafeWise .
Increasing the ratio of female officers on the force to over 30% , well above the national average , as well as the hiring of the department’s first female sergeant .
The addition of multiple new programs , including the Traffic Safety Unit , K9 Unit , and the department’s co - responder program , which pairs law enforcement with mental health specialists to help de - escalate situations involving those with behavioral health issues .
Becoming active participants in Critical Incident Response Team ( CIRT ) investigations , providing objective investigatory resources in cases involving law enforcement agencies across the region .
Klimek has also helped guide the department to the construction of its new state - of - the - art headquarters , a 40 , 000 - plus square foot facility that is slated for completion later this year .
“Chief Klimek is deserving of many accolades for his long service and dedication to Windsor , ” said Town Manager Shane Hale . “His department has grown and flourished under his care and leadership , but beyond any of the metrics we can use to measure his success , his greatest contribution has been his unyielding love for Windsor , its residents , and for the men and women in his department . ”
Klimek is quick to point out , however , that it all is truly a team effort .
“It’s not about what I do , it’s about what our people do , ” Klimek said . “We have an amazing department , and we’ve been lucky to have the commitment of our Town Board and the support of our community for as long as we have . ”
Klimek added: “I’m excited for the town , we’re maturing . I can’t wait to see where we go next . ”
To learn more about the Windsor Police Department , visit
windsorpd . com
.
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