William Balling, ’93 Urban Affairs (Criminal Justice concentration)
Balling becomes police chief
Sidney Daily News - Online
A man who began his career with the Sidney Police Department as a patrol officer in 1994, became the department's sixth police chief. This is the No. 6 local news story of 2013.
Will Balling recalled that joining the police force 19 years ago was one of the biggest days of his life. He added another special memory May 31 when he was sworn in as chief.
With his wife, Suzanne, their five children and a host of city staff and friends looking on, Balling was administered the oath of office by City Manager Mark Cundiff. Balling, 42, succeeded Kevin Gessler, who retired after four years in the position.
After being sworn in, Balling reflected on how much he enjoys being a law enforcement officer. “I love coming into work every day,” he said, adding that his wife can attest to the fact that “I miss it even when I'm on vacation.”
“I'm coming into a good organization,” he said. “We are family,” Balling said of the Police Department and city employees as a whole. He said with teamwork, the community will prosper.
Cundiff said since Balling took a “trip down memory lane” with his recollection of how he felt when he became a police officer he would add a story of his own. Cundiff said he was assistant city manager when Balling joined the force and he remembered a comment made after the young hopeful completed his final interview with the Sidney Civil Commission.
“I don't recall who said it, but after Will left the room someone said ‘You know, someday he's going to be police chief,'” Cundiff said. “They even recognized it back then.”
In early May, Balling was selected from a field of 13 applicants. Other finalists for the position were Ronald Krueger, chief of the Rockledge (Florida) Police Department) and Bill D. Press, chief of the Fair Hope (Alabama) Police Department. A fourth finalist was Capt. Michael Rosengarten of the Sidney Police Department.
After beginning as a patrol officer in 1994, Balling was promoted to sergeant in 1998 and lieutenant in 2003. Balling was promoted to captain in 2011, managing the Police Communication Center. In 2012, he became the captain managing police operations.
During his time with the department, Balling also served as a drug detective, detective, bike officer and evidence technician.
Balling earned a master's degree in justice administration from Tiffin University and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Wright State University. He is a certified law enforcement executive and has completed the Police Executive Leadership College. He has completed training by the International Association of Chief of Police in Leading by Legacy and is police officer training instructor.
http://sidneydailynews.com/news/news/3250426/Balling-becomes-police-chief
