Chiamulera appointed chief of police

The City of Rhinelander has a new chief of police.
On Friday afternoon, after an extended closed session discussion, the city’s police and fire commission announced that Josh Chiamulera will succeed Lloyd Gauthier as the next chief.
The announcement, by commission chair Todd McEldowney, came on the same day as Gauthier officially hung up his badge after more than 35 years in local law enforcement. Sergent Kurt Helke also interviewed for the position.
Gauthier announced his retirement in a Nov. 22 letter to city officials. An open house also took place Friday at City Hall, offering members of the public an opportunity to thank him for his service to the community.
Chiamulera’s promotion from captain to chief was widely expected as Gauthier publicly endorsed him as his successor. During a December 2024 police and fire commission meeting, Gauthier described Chiamulera as “the perfect person for the job” with “compassion and heart for the community.”

In other business, the commission formally accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour and named Adam (AJ) Johnson interim chief.
Tonnancour resigned to take a position with the Chippewa Falls Fire Department, close to where he was raised. His last day with RFD will be Jan. 16.
Both Chiamulera and Johnson said they were very honored to be chosen to serve their community.
“I won’t let the city down,” Johnson said.
“I’ve been honored to serve under (Gauthier) for the last four-plus years,” Chiamulera said. “I’ve learned a ton and I know I still have a lot to learn,”
Gauthier presented Chiamulera with his new badge, noting that it was with “the utmost, greatest pleasure” that he was handing over the reins of the department.