Venenga named North Liberty police chief

After more than six months on the job, Diane Venenga can strip the "interim" from her title.

Venenga, who has served as North Liberty's interim police chief since February, was named the community's full-time chief on Thursday. The appointment will become official during North Liberty's City Council meeting on Sept. 24.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue to serve this community," Venenga said in a press release from the city. "I'm dedicated to North Liberty and I look forward to serving this town by helping to make this department the best it can be."

Venenga was selected after a several month's long search process earlier this summer. She has been with the department since it's beginning in 1999 and has served as a patrol officer, sergeant and lieutenant. She was named the department's interim chief in February after the sudden departure of former police chief Jim Warkentin.

Approximately 50 candidates put in for the chief position. A Des Moines-based search firm narrowed the list to four finalists, who met with the public and search committees made up of the council, city government officials, community leaders and law enforcement officials last week.

North Liberty mayor Tom Salm praised the selection.

"Venenga has proven she can lead the North Liberty Police Department and work with elected officials, her colleagues, our residents and our community," Salm said in the release. "We know she can handle the challenges that come with the job. We're excited and proud that she will be our chief of police moving forward."