Shelby Extends Police Chief Contract to Capt. Woelkers

Acting Shelby Township Police Chief Roland Woelkers has until the end of the week to decide if he wants to be the permanent chief of the Township.

The Shelby Township Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to extend a contract to the 23-year veteran at Tuesday evening’s meeting.

“I thought Woelkers did an excellent job in explaining how he’ll manage the department and how he’ll work with the union and the board to knuckle down and make tough decisions,” said Trustee Michael Flynn after making a motion to extend Woelkers the two-year contract.

The search was opened to both police captains, Woelkers, and Steven Stanbury, in accordance with Public Act 78, which states the Township must first allow the highest ranking officers to apply for the position. If either did not fill the position, the search would have been opened to lower ranking officers in the department before it was opened publically.

“Both candidates are great, honorable and well-qualified,” said Clerk Stanley Grot. “We would have done well with both. Woelkers has more seniority and he’s doing a fine job as acting chief. It was a very easy decision for me to make.”

Supervisor Richard Stathakis said although Stanbury scored slightly higher on a written assessment test, administered by the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission, Woelkers impressed the board during in-person interviews with his leadership and communication skills.

“It has been a pleasure working with Woelkers, and thank you, for stepping up to the plate,” Stathakis told Woelkers during the meeting.

Woelkers was appointed acting police chief in September, after the Board of Trustees . Leman, who has served as police chief for 10 years, will be running in the

The chief of police will be paid $92,500 for a six month probationary period, but then the pay will be bumped up to $95,000.

The contract calls for full health and retirement benefits; long-term and short-term disability; life insurance up to $150,000, and five-weeks of paid vacation.

“I wish the other candidate nothing but the best. He has a bright future,” said Grot.