With those words Wooster Mayor Bob Breneman introduced Lt. Matt Fisher as the city’s new chief of police.
The formal announcement that Fisher will succeed retiring police chief Steve Glick came during the May 2 meeting of Wooster City Council.
According to Breneman, Fisher graduated from The College of Wooster in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics.
“He worked in the private sector for a few years out of college with Bishop Motors as the business manager and then fleet manager for that operation so he’s seen the private sector side also and has some good knowledge of that,” said Breneman.
He also completed The University of Akron Police Academy.
Since joining the Wooster Police Department in August of 1998, Fisher has been involved in various aspects of the department.
After beginning his career as a patrolman in 1998, Fisher became a K-9 handler in 2000, working alongside his K-9 partner, Ringo, from 2000-2007.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2005 and became the K-9 unit supervisor in 2005, a position he currently holds. In 2007, Fisher was promoted to his current rank of lieutenant.
Fisher also served as a member of the Wooster Police Honor Guard from 1999-2004 and has served as a taser instructor and marijuana tester. He is a 2006 graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and a 2007 graduate of Leadership Wooster.
“He is currently working on his master’s and hopes to be finished with that in August of this year in Criminal Justice Administration,” said Breneman.
Fisher has also participated in a number of specialized training sessions.
“He attended the FBI National Academy last year down in Quantico, Va.,” said Breneman, adding, “he was a member of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Response training course down in Texas.”
Breneman noted that Fisher was one of six internal candidates who sought the position of police chief.
“After much interviewing and testing and visiting with folks in the community we deemed that Matt is the best fit for our city at this point in time and I think will do an awesome job as police chief,” said Breneman, adding, “thanks for standing up for the responsibility.”
“One thing I thought was great… was that we had such fine candidates internally to promote to the post of chief,” said Councilman David Silvestri. “That really speaks to the leadership that we have in Chief Glick to provide opportunities for growth within his department.”
Councilman Jon Ansel congratulated Fisher on his new position, noting, “what great background credentials and an illustrious career you’ve compiled so far. We look for many years to come here in the city of Wooster.”
Fisher replaces current Chief of Police Steve Glick, who announced his intention to retire from the force last December.
“Steve Glick…has been with us the last four and a half years as police chief and has done an outstanding job for Wooster,” said Breneman.
Ansel added his thanks to Glick “for your contributions, your vision and your direction.”
While Glick will technically remain in the position of police chief until August, the transition of duties between Glick and Fisher is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
On Dec. 13, Glick announced his intention to retire from the police force this summer, after more than 32 years of distinguished service to the city, to accept an appointment as the new director of security and protective services for his alma mater, The College of Wooster.
Published: May 11, 2011









