Mayor McLean announces new police chief after 6 months with an interim. Here’s who it is
Mayor Lauren McLean announced Thursday morning that she has chosen Ron Winegar to serve as permanent chief of the Boise Police Department.
The City Council will consider whether to confirm the appointment Tuesday.
Winegar took over as interim chief in October 2022 following the departure of former Chief Ryan Lee, who was asked to resign by McLean after allegations that he injured a subordinate during a neck restraint demonstration and internal complaints about his management.
Winegar previously retired in 2021 after a 27-year career with BPD.
“Ron has demonstrated leadership in the department and our community, so I’ve asked him to continue leading the Boise Police Department as our permanent police chief,” McLean said in a news release.
Winegar began his career with Boise Police in 1993 as a patrol officer, working his way up the department to deputy chief of operations in 2019, shortly before his retirement. Winegar also briefly served as acting chief of Boise Police in 2019 following the retirement of former Chief Bill Bones.
“I’ve enjoyed the many years I’ve had the opportunity to serve the people of Boise,” Winegar said in Thursday’s news release. “I’m honored to have been chosen to serve as police chief and am proud to return to the Boise Police Department permanently.
“The BPD and its officers will continue to work diligently with our community to provide a safe and welcoming city for everyone,” he continued.
This story was originally published April 27, 2023 at 11:33 AM.
