Gleason: Donath emerged as obvious choice for chief

Posted on August 29, 2019
Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason making his announcement Wednesday that Dan Donath would be the city’s next police chief. (Neil Doyle/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s new police chief is no stranger to the department, and that stood out to City Manager Tim Gleason.

Dan Donath, a 25-year veteran of BPD, was picked for the job Wednesday by Gleason.

The other finalist was retired State Police Captain and current Parkland College Chief William Colbrook.

Gleason, who came to Bloomington from Decatur, knows that outside eyes can be good for improvement. But, he said it was the right decision to stay inside the department.

“It sends a message to the rest of the employees, not only inside the police department, but the rest of the city. I think you do try to grow your own and that is a responsibility of mine as city manager. You try to bring up employees from the ranks that they came from.”

Gleason said if BPD were a troubled department he would’ve been more likely to pick an outside candidate.

Donath starts as chief immediately. A formal swearing in ceremony will be held Sept. 9.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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