The Search for a New Police Chief - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE,WI(WXOW)--With the retirement of La Crosse Police Chief Ed Kondracki, there's no shortage of people applying to replace him. 19 people have applied. The City advertised the position for about a month.

Applications were due last Thursday.  Those applications asked for basic information along with answers to essay questions that address leadership style, fiscal responsibility and community policing to name a few.

Fire and Police Commission Member, Doug Happel said, 'We want someone who can keep this City safe' as La Crosse is not immune to crime.

"This is a major challenging position and obviously there are big shoes that the person is following as we know Ed Kondracki did just an excellent job as police chief for 19 years," said Happel.

Currently, Assistant Chief Robert Abraham is acting as the interim police chief. Happel said now applications will be reviewed by human resources.

Then, the Fire and Police Commission will move forward with initial interviews. There is no set date, but Happel estimates they will have the position filled sometime in June or July.