At the March 15 City Council meeting, Interim Chief of Police Lance Wipf was honored by the City of Spring Hill for his nearly yearlong service to the Spring Hill Police Department.
“Without questioning, Wipf assumed the role of Interim Police Chief and immediately took on the responsibility of the office. With the appointment as Interim Chief, the department morale and sense of stability was immediately improved and noticeably so,” Jim Hendershot, City Administrator, said. “…His get-it-done attitude carried Wipf through many challenges from staffing to budget to policy review and a recommendation of reorganization of the department. Many times, the learning curve for Sgt. Wipf was pretty steep but without ever complaining, he led the department forward.”
Wipf stepped into the Acting Chief of Police role in March 2018 and later into the interim role in May 2018 from his role as K9 sergeant. In his tenure, Wipf successfully upgraded the City’s storm sirens, hired two officers, implemented the purchase and installation of new mobile data computers for department patrol cars, purchased new in-car camera systems, purchased new portable radios, recommended restructuring police department command structure and projected staffing needs for the department in three to five years and five to 10 years all while maintaining his K9 duties with his partner, Niko.
“You took a position that you did not ask for,” Mayor Steven Ellis said. “You took a position that you did not want because you are not done being a cop yet. I have a great appreciation for that and I think everyone in this community does. … Sergeant, you are testament to your department and a testament to that badge.”
“You, sir, helped to hold this department together and for that 12-month period of time, you gave us the opportunity to understand what we need in a leader and help us to take the time to attract the right candidate.”
At the March 15 meeting, Cindy Henson of the Overland Park Police Department, was named Chief of Police. She will begin her role April 8.