A Lena native who joined the village’s Police Department two years ago has been promoted to police chief. James Herald, 37, was hired Aug. 21 by the Village Board.
Village President Steve Marquardt said Herald’s experience with the department and involvement in the community made him a likely choice for the job.
“He’s a home-grown boy, and he’s got a good rapport with the village of Lena,” Marquardt said.
Village officials worked with a consultant from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to assist with the hiring process. Residents filled out a survey regarding the Police Department, and the consensus was to “pretty much continue with the hours and full-time chief,” Marquardt said.
Herald, who was employed part-time with the department, took on many of the chief’s responsibilities after the May 13 departure of Jess Keplinger, who was hired as Gillett’s chief of police.
“I tried to fill those shoes for the last three months. They’re big shoes to fill,” Herald said.
Herald also worked part time for the Gillett Police Department and provided security at Bellin Health Oconto Hospital.
Before entering law enforcement, Herald was employed as lead man at a De Pere epoxy covering plant for 10 years. When the company changed hands, Herald decided it was time to change careers and began night classes while continuing to work full time. In December 2010, he earned an associate degree in law enforcement from NWTC, returning to a profession he envisioned as a teen.
“When I was going to graduate from high school, I wanted to go into the State Patrol … but it just didn’t play out,” he said.
Herald graduated from Coleman High School in 1994. His two high school years in Coleman were his only time living outside Lena. He grew up on a family farm four miles out of the village and recently built a home in Lena where he lives with his wife, Nikki, and three daughters.
“The village of Lena is a community that fills me with pride. Having grown up here and now raising my family here, I am truly honored to fill the position of chief of police and promise to serve and protect the community with distinction and honor,” he said.
In his new full-time position, Herald will earn a salary of $37,440, plus benefits. The Lena Police Department employs three part-time officers and is on call 48 hours each week.
“Lena is usually a quiet community, but it still has its issues,” Herald said.
Aside from his official police work, Herald is a volunteer self-defense instructor and teaches tae kwon do at Washington Middle School in Oconto Falls. He’s a third-degree black belt.
“I am excited to be the chief of police for the village of Lena and want to thank the community for its support,” he said.
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