By Joe Bachman

A new interim Chief of Police was named Wednesday morning.

Deputy Chief Randy Jahns will be taking the reins from Chief of Police Kurt Heuer, who will be retiring early next year. Jahns will take over duties, effective on Jan. 13, 2017.

Deputy Jahns has been with the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department since 1989 where he was a patrol officer for 10 years. From there he made his way through the ranks from Sergeant to Lieutenant from 2000 to 2005. In 2005 he took over the Deputy Chief position he currently holds to this day.

Jahns has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Masters Degree in Management and Organizational Behavior. The long time Wis. Rapids deputy is ceritifed by the UW Public Manager Program, and attended both the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, as well as the Criminal Justice Executive Development Institute.

“He’s a great friend, great law enforcement official, and he’s a great leader,” said Chief of Police Kurt Heuer about Jahns. “I’m very pleased that the police and fire commission took my recommendation to have him as interim chief — he’ll do great work.”