06/17/2026
Village of Edgar Announces Hiring of Colleen Handrick as Chief of Edgar Police
The Village of Edgar Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the hiring of Colleen Handrick as the Village's next Chief of Police.
Following discussion in closed session, the Village Board approved the employment agreement for Colleen to serve as Chief of Police for the Village of Edgar. Colleen successfully completed an extensive background investigation conducted with the assistance of the Marathon County Sheriff's Office, as well as a psychological evaluation, as part of the Village's hiring process.
Colleen brings nearly three decades of public safety experience to the Village of Edgar. She is a dedicated public safety leader with 28 years of comprehensive experience in law enforcement, critical incident response, emergency communications, and multi-agency emergency response. Throughout her career, she has developed sustainable community partnerships and implemented proactive outreach programs that enhance public trust, strengthen community relationships, and support public safety objectives.
She brings 18 years of law enforcement experience as a Police Officer, along with Criminal Justice education experience, Communications Specialist experience, and Emergency Management experience. Her diverse public safety background provides a unique combination of leadership, operational knowledge, and community engagement skills that will benefit the Village of Edgar.
Colleen will begin serving the Village immediately in a part-time administrative capacity while completing the educational and certification requirements necessary for Wisconsin law enforcement certification. During this period, she will focus on department administration, policy review, training coordination, community engagement, and operational planning while attending the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy. She is currently scheduled to complete the Northcentral Technical College Physical Readiness Test in July and has secured a seat in the Fall 2026 Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy beginning August 4, 2026. Upon successful completion of the Academy and all certification requirements, which is anticipated in December 2026, Colleen will transition into the full-time role of Chief of Police for the Village of Edgar.
The employment agreement includes training, certification, and probationary requirements designed to support her successful transition into the position and ensure continued professional development. Throughout this process, the Village will continue to work closely with the Marathon County Sheriff's Office to ensure uninterrupted public safety services for residents.
Colleen is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, which empowers others, engages stakeholders, and promotes a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all residents. Her career has been built on service, teamwork, and a commitment to building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
After learning of the Village's need for a Police Chief, Colleen made the decision to come out of retirement and return to law enforcement service. The opportunity aligns with a long-term professional goal of serving as the Chief of Police in a small community where she can work directly with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to make a positive impact.
Village President Lepak stated, "We are pleased to welcome Colleen to the Village of Edgar. Her extensive public safety experience, leadership abilities, and commitment to community service make her an excellent fit for our community. We look forward to working with her as she leads the future of the Edgar Police Department."
Village Administrator Jennifer Lopez added, "The Village would like to thank the Marathon County Sheriff's Office for their assistance throughout the background investigation process. Recruiting for a small police department can be challenging, and we are excited to have found someone with Colleen's experience, professionalism, and dedication to public service. We look forward to supporting her as she begins this new chapter with the Village of Edgar."
The Village of Edgar appreciates the patience and support of residents throughout the recruitment process and looks forward to Colleen's service to the community.