St. Cloud names new police chief

William Blair Anderson
William Blair Anderson was named the new chief of the St. Cloud Police Department, Monday July 16, 2012. Anderson is currently the chief deputy sheriff in Carver County.
MPR photo/Conrad Wilson

The city of St. Cloud has hired a new police chief.

William Blair Anderson, a deputy sheriff for Carver County, will take over the department at the end of next month.

There isn't a big difference between running a sheriff's department and a city police department, Anderson said. At a press conference with St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis and the police force, Anderson said that he is dedicated to law enforcement.

"I am that corny guy, who, when I am asked why I chose this profession I still have the same corny answer: It is a privilege for me to wear the uniform. It is my absolute privilege to serve other people," Anderson said.

The hiring process took some time, but Kleis said he was impressed with Anderson's experience in regional law enforcement, something that is especially important for the St. Cloud area, which covers three counties.

"This has been a very long process. I think I've talked to probably four or 500 people," Kleis said. "I think the entire department, almost the entire department, throughout this process, but also a lot of members of the community."

Anderson takes over for former police chief Dennis Ballantine, who retired earlier this year. Anderson's first day is Aug. 27.

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