New West Lafayette Police Chief sworn in
WEST LAFAYETTE – West Lafayette Mayor Stephen Bordenkircher is looking forward to a long future of working with new Police Chief Stephen Klopfenstein.
Klopfenstein was sworn in to his new position by Bordenkircher on March 21 in council chambers in front of a crowd that included village council members, village firefighters and his family.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for coming,” Klopfenstein said. “I’m excited to start and hope to see and work with each of you very soon.”
He will officially start his duties on April 16.
“I want to ride with my officers and get orientated because they’ve been here and understand what’s going on in the community,” Klopfenstein said. “Then I want to meet with community members, churches and businesses. I want to find out what people expect from us, if there is something they need done and just keep interacting with them.”
He comes to West Lafayette from the Brunswick Hills Police Department where he held the rank of sergeant.
“I enjoy working with people and interacting with communities and being in schools,” Klopfenstein said. “I want to get as involved as I can here so I can help the residents and let them know that they can talk to us.”
Bordenkircher said Klopfenstein was one of five people who applied for the position, which became open after former chief Terry Mardis retired.
“There were a number of things that drew us to him,” Bordenkircher said. “He came very well credentialed and we liked his personality and that is a very important part of this job. When you work in the community you have to be approachable.”
Klopfenstein will be in charge of three full time and three part time officers.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
