Gletne starts work as interim chief

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It will be business as usual for the Jamestown Police Department as Lt. John Gletne takes the reins as interim police chief. The 33-year veteran of the JPD said the department is stable and well-staffed to continue operations.

“It is an interim position that could be two weeks or two months,” Gletne said. “I wanted to make a smooth transition to the new police chief.”

The police chief position came open with the retirement of Dave Donegan on Dec. 31.

Gletne credited Donegan with creating a well-functioning department.

“A very positive point is that Donegan, as chief for 17 years and with the department for 37 years, left a very well-run department,” he said. “When you see four officers apply it speaks well of the quality of people he left in the department.”

Gletne has served as the Jamestown Police Department’s juvenile officer for most of his tenure there.

“I’ve largely worked with the schools on prevention programs and with the detectives on the investigations,” he said. “I will continue with those duties while serving as the interim chief.”

The City Council interviewed five candidates — four from within the department — in December. Mayor Katie Andersen said the council needed more time to consider the applicants and make a decision during the council’s meeting Tuesday. She made the motion to appoint Gletne to the post until a final decision is made.

“They were looking for someone (for interim police chief) who had not applied (for police chief),” Gletne said. “I hadn’t applied because at this point in life I didn’t want to take on those challenges.”

Gletne’s time with the department has won him praise from officials within the community.

“He is level-headed and a good listener who doesn’t act spontaneously,” said Charlie Kourajian, city councilman. “He is well-respected by his peers, the council and by the residents of Jamestown.”

Jerry Bergquist, Stutsman County emergency manager, agreed.

“We’ve worked from time to time with him on different projects,” he said. “We’ve always had a good report with him, he will be a good fit.”

During his first day on the job Tuesday, Gletne met with the JPD members, the shift commanders and the current applicants for the police chief position.

“Everyone seems comfortable with the way things are proceeding,” Gletne said. “And I’ve gotten a call from Chief Donegan offering his assistance and support.”

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, police