David Villanueva/Submitted. 

 

(KNZA)--A new Hiawatha Police Chief has been selected. 

The City Commission Monday evening unanimously approved the appointment of David Villanueva to the position. 

Villanueva was one of three candidates interviewed to replace former Chief Mickey Gruber, who retired effective March 31st. 

City Administrator Brad Scott says Villanueva brings 31 years of law enforcement experience and believes he will serve the residents of Hiawatha well. 

Villanueva comes to Hiawatha after spending 13 years with the Salina Police Department, rising through the ranks from patrol officer to Captain.  Before that, he served 18 years with the Oxnard Police Department in Ventura County, California.  A native Californian, Villanueva also served 15 years as a U.S. Army military policeman before entering civilian law enforcement. 

When asked why he chose Hiawatha, Villanueva said the community is the perfect size to support true community policing.  He also pledged to maintain an open-door policy. 

Villanueva has regional ties, as his grandfather grew up in neighboring Richardson County, Nebraska. 

He will be sworn in at the City Commission’s April 27th meeting and is scheduled to begin his duties May 4th.