City names new police chief

Waynesboro Police Sgt. Michael Wilhelm was promoted to police chief, City Manager Mike Hamp announced on Monday.

Wilhelm has served in the Waynesboro Police Department since 1995. He was promoted to corporal in 2000 and to sergeant in 2004.

“I have confidence in Chief Wilhelm’s leadership abilities, critical thinking skills and expressed desire to maximize available departmental resources for the benefit of the community,” Hamp said. “Mike is eager to establish a unifying vision for the department, and establish a proactive approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and overall service delivery to the community. He is a goal-oriented individual and will apply that commitment in his leadership and management style.”

Wilhelm succeeds Doug Davis, who retired in March after serving as chief for seven years. The recruitment for the position drew nearly 80 applications from more than 21 states. Nine candidates were selected for interviews, and four individuals were identified as finalists for the position.