CVTC grad is new Arcadia police chief

From weau.com: “Arcadia Police Department makes historic hire” — After graduating from UW-Stout and CVTC, 28-year-old Diana Anderson is taking on the role of new mother and police chief.

“This is something that I’ve strived to do in my career. I didn’t think it would happen this early in my career,” said Diana Anderson, Arcadia Police Chief.

The Independence native worked in the Arcadia Police Department for more than five years after working in Dunn County and she says she wants to help people.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and help out the community. A lot of times within our job were seen as the people who hand out tickets,” said Anderson.

Diana says although she has a lot of paperwork to do in the office, she still gets the opportunity to drive police cars and help the community. She also gets to assist officers.

Mayor John Kimmel says the previous police chief served about 25 years in the department but decided to try new things.

“He’s got big shoes to fill but I think she is certainly up to the challenge. She’s energetic. She’s got some great ideas,” said Mayor John Kimmel.

Anderson says she’s not worried about being young as well as the first female chief.

She says she’s respected and hopes to help serve as a role model.

“I hope the younger youth within our community look up to me, e specially young girls and know that they’re able to do this job in the future if they like to,” said Anderson.

“The two roles she’s going to serve is obviously the function of the police chief but I think she’s going to be a great liaison to the city,” said Kimmel.

“I want people and citizens of the city of Arcadia to see us in a positive light and they understand whatever they need us for we’re here to help them,” said Anderson.

View video