Schmitt Tapped As Captain For WPD

Warsaw Detective Sgt. Paul Schmitt will replace Craig Allebach as Warsaw Police captain.

"I'm going to submit and recommend Paul Schmitt," Warsaw Police Chief Steve Foster said.

Allebach, the current Warsaw Police captain, was selected Tuesday by the Winona Lake Town Council to fill the town coordinator position.

Allebach's starting date as Winona Lake town coordinator will be May 15. The contract is for one year of employment and is renewable at the end of each year. Allebach will be paid $49,000 per year in his new position.

He has completed more than 20 years of service with the Warsaw Police Department and will retire soon to assume the town coordinator's position.

Allebach's replacement, Schmitt, also has worked with the Warsaw Police Department for a number of years.

Foster said he's worked with Schmitt "for 20-some odd years. I trust him and I respect him," Foster said. "I know his abilities."

Foster also said Schmitt has worked as a detective for almost 10 years under his "direct supervision."

Foster said he and Schmitt joined the police force at the same time and have worked together for almost 26 years.

"So I've known him for quite some time," Foster said.

Foster does not anticipate any problem from Mayor Ernie Wiggins or the city with his recommendation.

"Craig will be leaving around the 12th (of May)," Foster said. "(But), we haven't come up with an official date."

Schmitt has been with the detective division for approximately 10 years and has been a liaison for the prosecutor's office. He also has been the City Council SWAT Team Commander for "roughly two years."

"So that's where we're at right now," Foster said. "I'm going to recommend Paul Schmitt."