JANESVILLE — The city of Janesville has promoted from within to select Chad Pearson as the city’s next chief of police.
Pearson currently was named acting chief following the retirement of David Moore.
Pearson will begin serving in the role pending his acceptance of an offer letter from the city, according to a news release.
The Police and Fire Commission unanimously voted to select Pearson as the sole finalist after a nationwide recruitment and extensive selection process.
“On behalf of the Police and Fire Commission it was an honor and privilege to part of process to find the next Chief of Police for Janesville,” said Police and Fire Commission Chairman Mark Terry in the news release. “I believe Mr. Pearson is the right person to lead our dedicated police force now and, in the future.”
Pearson has been the Deputy Chief of Operations since 2022.
He joined the agency in 1997 and has also served as a Sergeant and Lieutenant during his time with the department.
Pearson has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He is a graduate of the FBI National Law Enforcement Academy and the UW-Madison Command College.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the police department team and the entire community for their support throughout the process,” said Pearson following the announcement. “The opportunity to serve Janesville in this role is an incredible honor. Janesville is a great place because we have remarkable staff and officers working for and patrolling the community every day.”
The announcement comes following an extensive recruitment and selection process, which included a Police Chief Candidate Community Reception where attendees could ask questions, discuss topics of interest, and provide feedback on the candidates.
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Pearson named as the next Police Chief for the City of Janesville,” said City Manager Kevin Lahner. “Mr. Pearson has proven himself as a dedicated public servant and is poised and ready to lead a group of talented professionals.”