MUNCIE, IN – Mayor Dennis Tyler announced the appointment of Joe Winkle as Police Chief for the City of Muncie in a news conference held Friday November 18, 2016. The appointment will take effect upon Joe’s official resignation as current director for the Emergency Communications Center/911 and his appointment of a new director. Until that time, Deputy Police Chief, Mark Vollmar, will oversee day to day operations.
Joe is a 34 year police veteran and served as Police Chief from 1996 to 2008. He graduated from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. Before serving as Police Chief he was Merit Sergeant in both the investigative and uniform divisions.
The position for Director of the Emergency Communications Center/911 will be advertised and interviews will be scheduled. Mayor Tyler anticipates the process and decision will be made in timely manner notwithstanding the holiday season.
Mayor Tyler stated, “We are optimistic that Joe Winkle can breathe new life into our Police Bureau and will be a strong, competent City leader.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be offered this position and I will work with and for the citizens of Muncie to maintain the very highest standards of policing”, said Joe Winkle.
I’m very honored to have the opportunity to come home. That’s what it feels like. I have been gone from the police department for five years, but in my heart I’ve never really left. I never dreamed this opportunity would come up.
I will do everything I can to keep the police department moving forward. The support I’ve received in the last few days has been very humbling. 21 years ago I was sworn in as Police Chief. It’s never left my heart and I will do all I can to make Muncie and the police department a better place.—Joe Winkle
Members of the media, local officials, and members of the City of Muncie Police Department spilled out into the hallway during Friday’s afternoon press conference. Photo by: Mike Rhodes
Inside the dispatch center (911) at the Delaware County Emergency Operations Center where Joe Winkle was Director. Photo by: Mike Rhodes
About the Muncie Police Department
The mission of the Muncie Police Department is to improve the quality of life of all persons within the Muncie Community by strengthening a partnership based on individual responsibility and community commitment which enhances safe, secure neighborhoods through the delivery of quality police service.
The Muncie Police Department has a diverse, well trained force of young officers serving Muncie. Many officers hold various advanced degrees, certifications, and other forms of specialized training that brings a skillset as diverse as the dedicated men and women of the Muncie Police Department that put their lives on the line every day to protect citizens.
The Muncie Police Department is committed to taking every action within their power to make residents and visitors safe and secure so they can go about their daily lives and business.
