By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – Those involved with hiring Joel Sanders are very impressed with the new police chief.
As previously reported by KHBT the City of Humboldt has hired Sanders to be the next chief of the Humboldt Police Department. During the interview process Sanders faced three different panels who all chose put him as their top choice for the position. KHBT talks with three members of those panels to get their take on the new police chief.
City Administrator Travis Goedken got a chance to give Sanders and his wife a tour of the city and says the new police chief really seems to understand Humboldt. The city administrator says that the comments the couple made about the community really stuck out. Goedken says that Sanders recognizes the industrial base in Humboldt and that Humboldt’s not just a “bedroom community.” Sanders also talked with Goedken about how the city is always proactive in their approach to improving. “It was a big sell.”
Humboldt’s Mayor Dan Scholl says that Sanders carried himself very well during the interview process. “His level of professionalism, the confidence he exuded” Scholl says. The mayor says Sanders was very well spoken, articulate and professional. “His experience showed with the comments he made.” One thing that impressed both the mayor and city council was the new police chief included a 90 day plan in his application.
Humboldt County Sheriff Dean Kruger was part of the interview process as well and says Sanders seems like a great leader who will care for the officers in the department. “I was pretty impressed with Mr. Sanders” Kruger says. The sheriff calls the new police chief down to Earth. “He’s going to be very supportive of the police officers” the sheriff says while noting this was his biggest concern about bringing in someone new to the position. “I think he’ll be a good fit for Humboldt.”
Goedken has confirmed that Sanders will be working with the city administration over the next month to transition the department. The new police chief will officially be in Humboldt full time starting Jan. 11, 2021.
Full statements:
Goedken:
Scholl:
Kruger: