Switzer confirmed as new Dunkirk police chief
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Capt. Douglas Switzer was appointed chief of the Dunkirk Police Department Monday.
Switzer was serving as interim chief after Christopher Witkowski retired in February. The Common Council ratified his elevation to full-time chief at its meeting Monday.
The move came with a "walk-in" resolution that was not listed on the meeting agenda. Councilors did not state what Switzer's salary will be.
However, Mayor Kate Wdowiasz told the OBSERVER it will be "in line with what is published online for the chief's salary in the union contract for 2026." The figure is $124,675.
The council vote on Switzer was 4-0. The group was missing its chairman Monday, with Councilman-at-large Nick Weiser absent. First Ward Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak ran the meeting in his place.
Wdowiasz told the council she was "very excited" that Switzer wants to be Dunkirk's permanent police chief.
"I was pleased that he came to me and expressed that he was interested," she said. "We have been working very well together for the last several months since the retirement of Chief Witkowski. So, to say that I'm hoping that I have the entire council's support on this matter, would be an understatement."
Wdowiasz said Switzer joined the Dunkirk Police Department in 2008.
"I'm very, very happy that he decided to say yes. The two of you have a wonderful working relationship," Councilman Frank Torain said to Wdowiasz.
Torain added, "I think this is a great move for the city of Dunkirk, and we're moving forward, which also makes me excited."
Wdowiasz noted that Switzer's first public appearance as chief was coming quickly, at Dunkirk's National Night Out festivities the next day.