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Department veteran selected as chief

JANESVILLE — Dave Moore wants to keep the city safe, saying it could help the local economy.

“Employers will not move their companies here if they don’t think it’s safe,” Moore said.

Safety, serving residents and improving the Fourth Ward and Look West neighborhoods will be among Moore’s priorities as the new police chief.

The Janesville Police and Fire Commission offered Moore the job Friday after interviewing four finalists for two days.

“I’m proud to lead the men and women of the Janesville Police Department and provide service to the community,” Moore said.

Moore, 52, has been with the department for 32 years. He had been the deputy police chief and recently became acting chief. He has led all aspects of the agency.

Moore grew up in Janesville. His two children attend Craig High School.

“I’m honored to be able to serve and protect the community that I grew up in, and the community my children are growing up in,” he said.

Staci Nielson, chair of the commission, said Moore was the top choice after finalists interviewed with commission members, city department heads and police chiefs from other cities.

Other finalists included Thomas J. Christensen, deputy police chief, Racine; Michael D. Kostecki, former police chief, McHenry, Ill.; and Bradford L. Woods, former police commander, Chicago.

“Any of the candidates would have made fine chiefs, but Dave was just an outstanding candidate,” she said. “We felt Dave was the most prepared and qualified to be Janesville’s police chief.”

The commission received letters, e-mails and feedback from residents about Moore during the hiring process, Nielson said.

“We never heard a negative word about Dave, his character or his work ethic,” she said. “These were all citizens of Janesville, so obviously we took that into account.”

She added his knowledge of the city helped make the decision easier.

“Him knowing this department and serving this city did help, but he also could compete with the other candidates for their experience, creative problem solving and the written exercise,” Nielson said.

Moore, who has had the goal to become chief for 15 years, thanked his staff.

“To a significant degree, my appointment is due to the dedication of the men and women of the Janesville Police Department,” Moore said. “The only way an internal candidate can be selected is if the department is deeply respected by the community.

“I firmly believe that.”