Chief Chris Witkowski

Dunkirk is looking for a new chief of police.

Effective Friday, Christopher Witkowski will be retiring. Mayor Kate Wdowiasz confirmed the news during a committee meeting this week in city hall.

Witkowski, who has been in law enforcement for more than 26 years, including 22 years with the Dunkirk department, began his policing career in 1999 and joined Dunkirk in 2002 as a patrolman. The city of Dunkirk website notes hewas promoted to sergeant in 2012, lieutenant in 2019, captain in 2021, and appointed chief in November 2024 following the retirement of David Ortolano who had held the position for nearly two decades.

“Throughout his career, Chief Witkowski has served in several specialized roles, including Special Response Team member, Field Training Officer and Supervisor, part-time sex abuse investigator, and supervisor of the Sex Offender Registry,” the city website noted. “In 2020, he contributed to police reform efforts as a member of a departmental committee focused on transparency, accountability, and community trust.”

Witkowski’s retirement announcement comes one month after David Price left the same position in Fredonia. Currently, Greg Myers is serving as acting chief in the village.

Staff writer M.J. Stafford contributed to this article.