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Craig Freitag receives his badge from Chris Wendorf of the Clintonville Police Department during his swearing-in ceremony on May 28. Jeff Hoffman photo

Community ‘very welcoming,’ Freitag says

By Erik Buchinger

New Clintonville Police Chief Craig Freitag met with the police and fire commission to talk about his first few weeks on the job on Monday, June 10.

“I’ve learned a lot, but there’s a lot more to learn,” Freitag said. “As you know, it’s my first time being chief, but I’m also new to the Clintonville Police Department. The staff members and community members I have met have been very welcoming.”

Freitag said he has been working on meeting individually with police staff members to receive input and discuss expectations. He said that process has been going well.

“The common theme they’re saying is we’re kind of behind the times when it comes to technology with some things,” Freitag said.

Freitag said he has met with several key community members including City Administrator Sharon Eveland and Mayor Richard Beggs.

“I’ve been able to meet a lot of people,” Freitag said. “In the evening I’ve worked a little bit later, attended some training here at the fire department and met some firemen and other citizens.”

Freitag said another task for the near future is filling the vacant sergeant position with one person interested so far.

“I’m putting a hiring process together,” Freitag said. “It’s going to entail a test, an external interview panel made up of chiefs, captains or lieutenants from other departments and an interview with Capt. (Dennis) Schroeder and myself. I will come to the police and fire commission with my recommendation who would be the next sergeant. The hope is to fill it internally.”

Freitag said he will continue to meet with staff members, which is going to take time. He is reviewing policies and hopes to meet more business owners in the community.

“I try to find some time throughout the day to get out there and learn the streets myself,” Freitag said. “That’s really important because if the officers are needing help, I want to get there and get there quickly.”

A few weeks into being sworn in, Freitag said he is appreciative of the Clintonville community.

“I’m enjoying my time here so far,” Freitag said.