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Milton selects new police chief

MILTON — A top special agent for the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation is poised to become the next police chief of Milton.

The Milton Police Commission agreed to select Daniel L. Layber as the city's new chief, according to a news release from the city of Milton.

Layber, 53, is special agent in charge for the DCI Milwaukee office and has been an administrator with the DCI for 19 years. He accepted a conditional offer of employment from the city's police commission after rounds of scheduled interviews with five police chief finalists on Friday and Saturday.

Before Layber can be hired, he must pass pre-employment health and drug screens and a background check. He also must have a salary and benefits package approved by the city council.

The timeline for Layber's official hire and start date is not determined, but the council plans discussion and possible action tonight on police chief recruitment.

The city earlier had estimated a new a chief could be in place by April 1.

Layber has worked as an investigator for the DCI since 1983 and was a military police officer and police investigator for the U.S. Army in the United States and Germany from 1979-1983.

He has a bachelor's degree from Mount Senario College and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

Layber has advanced training in SWAT tactics and death investigations and extensive experience investigating homicides, arson, drug trafficking, public corruption and Internet crimes against children, according to the city.

Layber on Monday said it's been his goal in recent years to work as a police chief in a small town. After years as a state investigator following cases around southern Wisconsin, he said he's excited to finally plant roots in a community.

"The local connection aspect is a strong part of why I want to do it," Layber said.

He called the opportunity a "little different type of law enforcement" and a "new challenge."

Layber said he plans to use his experience to bolster local law enforcement efforts in drug and Internet crimes investigations.

Layber is married and has five children. He lives in the town of Genesee in Waukesha County and said he plans to relocate for the job.

Milton Police Commission Chairman David Ostrowski said in a written statement that the commission believed Layber "would be the best overall fit with both the community and the police department, having the skills and expertise to continue and expand on the excellence already demonstrated by the department under the leadership of Jerry Schuetz."

Schuetz, the city's former chief, resigned in October to become city administrator but has been serving as the city's interim police chief.

Other finalists were:

-- Wayne R. Banta, a former patrol commander for the Oak Creek Police Department in Illinois.

-- Steven D. Hebbe, commander of the department of internal affairs at the Anchorage Police Department in Alaska.

-- Christopher P. Hughes, chief of the Marion Police Department and former interim chief for the Manawa Police Department.

-- Martin A. Podesek, chief of the Marengo Police Department in Illinois.