Brian Manzullo

After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Stan Dinius has decided that 2009 will be the last.

The Central Michigan University police chief plans to turn in his badge and retire on Aug. 31.

“I have been in the business for 39 years,” Dinius said. “I have plans for personal trips I want to take.”

The search already is on for his replacement. Administrators put the search on a fast track in order to make a transition smooth to the fall semester.

“I want candidates here before the end of the semester,” said David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services.

A CMU alumnus, Dinius’ career in law enforcement began in 1970 at CMU, where he worked as a police officer for nearly 19 years.

In 1989, he was offered a position at Ferris State University as the Director of Public Safety and left CMU, but not permanently.

Dinius returned to CMU seven years ago when he was offered his current position as chief of police.

“It’s been a great opportunity. Both here and at Ferris,” he said. “I have enjoyed going to work everyday. It’s unusual for someone to enjoy it as long as I have.”

Dinius and his wife came to the decision in February.

“Mr. Dinius has been a great police chief, we’re going to miss him,” said John Fisher, associate vice president of residences and auxiliary services, and search committee chair. “He’s a great guy to work with.”

Burdette said Dinius has done an outstanding job and is a well-respected member in law enforcement.

“Stan has been a great police chief. It’s been a privilege to work with him,” Burdette said. “Hats off to Stan Dinius.”

Burdette hopes to have candidates on campus by the end of April and is planning open forums for students, faculty and staff.

The candidates will be further evaluated and a new chief chosen from there, he said.

“The posting will go out next week, then it is a matter of reviewing applications as they come in,” he said.

The committee is looking for someone who will be able to lead the CMU Police and has at least eight years of administrative experience, including five as a police officer.

Burdette said the new police chief must have integrity, street experience and leadership abilities.

“He or she must have experience in a university setting or town,” he said. “They need to be fully aware why university police are different than other law enforcement.”

university@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Lindsay Knake