WALENSBURG, Colo. — The City of Walsenburg has a new police chief. Mayor Gary Vezanni said the city hired Bill Vinelli as its new police chief on Jan. 2, 2025, but the mayor confirmed the chief is under investigation by his previous department.
Vinelli was placed on administrative leave from the Morrison Police Department in November. In a meeting Tuesday, citizens met Vinelli and asked questions.
Walensburg Mayor Vezanni said the hiring committee learned more about the allegations against Vinelli on Monday and decided they were not substantial enough to prevent the city from hiring him.
The mayor shared that Vinelli is not under contract, so if the city learns from Morrison that the investigation turns up something that Vinelli did not disclose, the hiring committee can still look for someone else.
Walsenburg previously relied on the Huerfano County Sheriff's Office for protection, but last year, the sheriff decided the office would no longer work in the city as his deputies were unable to do that and protect Huerfano County.