New police chief

Talk about it

Scott Edinger will take over the reins of the Jamestown Police Department immediately as its new chief.

Edinger was appointed to the post during a special City Council meeting Thursday. His appointment was unanimous.

He replaces Dave Donegan, who retired at the end of last year after serving 17 years as chief and 37 years with the Jamestown Police Department.

Edinger has 18 years’ experience with the JPD and is currently a detective with the department with the rank of sergeant.

Applicants interviewed for the position included Edinger, Sgt. Tom Nagel, Lt. Robert Opp and Capt. Gary Peterson from the JPD and Lt. Joel Scharf of the Moorhead Police Department.

“We had 16 applicants and interviewed five with four of them being in-house and one from Moorhead,” said Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen. “We decided the officer from Moorhead was a serious applicant so we delayed action until a background check could be done. That officer has since eliminated himself from discussion.”

The rest of the City?Council praised the entire slate of candidates for the position.

“They all had good skills and qualities,” said Charlie Kourajian, city councilman.

Councilmember Ken Schulz agreed.

“All applicants have served Jamestown well,” he said. “And I like to see us promote from within.”

Edinger was praised for his interview and for his public relations skills.

“Scott Edinger would be my choice,” said Ramone Gumke, city councilman. “He interviewed well and offered goals and objectives during the interview. He is familiar with the department and has valuable supervisory experience as a leader with the SOT.”

The Special Operations Team serves as a regional unit for serious law enforcement issues.

Andersen said she felt Edinger would do well with the more visible parts of the law enforcement function.

“The piece that goes out to people is important,” she said. “He has good relations with the public and the media.”

Edinger’s appointment as police chief takes effect immediately. He will be allowed whatever time he needs to wrap up any open investigations he has a detective.

Edinger was not available for comment.

John Gletne, interim police chief, said Edinger is attending an out-of-town training session.

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

Tags: local news, news, police