GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — The Green Bay Police Department has a new chief at the helm–at least for now.
Former Police Chief Andrew Smith retired Monday, and taking his place is Jim Runge, a retired Police Commander who will serve as interim chief until a permanent replacement is found.
Runge says he knows his role.
“Keep [the department] going in the right direction for the incoming chief, whoever that may be, and put out any fires that may occur,” said Runge. “Hopefully we don’t have many.”
He said he was more than happy to take the role.
“It was a pretty easy decision for me,” Runge told WTAQ on Tuesday. “I always liked working here. I think it’s a great agency. I believe in the profession. I didn’t have to think about it that hard.”
Runge says he’ll be spending this week re-familiarizing himself with the department.
Runge retired from the department in 2018.
