“The nature of this job is that we often are called upon when someone isn’t necessarily experiencing a great moment or having an incredible day."”

Police Chief Lance Weiland

Police Chief Lance Weiland began his career in law enforcement on January 2, 2003 and has been Chief of Police in Stanley since February 2, 2015. In 1999, he graduated from Cadott High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley Technical College. Chief Weiland speaks candidly about the biggest challenges that he faces in his career.

“I would have to say that just the day-to-day requirements of the profession in general and the toll that it takes both physically and mentally, is complex, and a challenge in and of itself. Police officers are thrust into some very challenging situations, the experiences of which can remain with them for the entirety of their lives," he continues. “It is difficult for one to comprehend what these moments do to an individual. There are internal challenges that one faces, sometimes daily, when trying to manage and cope with these memories and experiences, while also balancing life and all the other challenges that come along away from work."

The most enjoyable part of his job is the positive interaction he can have with the public.

“The nature of this job is that we often are called upon when someone isn’t necessarily experiencing a great moment or having an incredible day,” Chief Weiland elaborates. “Through experience, you learn how to manage these situations and do your best to bring as much positive as you can to an otherwise challenging time. Through interacting with people in need and crisis, or just through everyday interaction, both on and off the job, lifelong relationships develop and bring dimension and substance to what it means to be a public servant.”

Lance, his wife and their three children, ages 15, 9 and 5, have been a part of the Stanley community since 2003. His family enjoys spending time with their extended family and friends. In the summers, one of their favorite past times is spending quality time on Lake Wissota with family members. Chief Weiland’s family also values giving back to their community as much as possible and making time for causes and needs that help bring more opportunity and experiences for people of all abilities within this community, mainly through their involvement in the Stanley Community Association and through fundraising events they do for the Stanley Police Department K-9 Unit. In the summer of 2021, Chief Weiland and his family took their first lengthy road trip together out west where they traveled through Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. They visited many locations along the way, including Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It was an unforgettable experience that they are thankful they had the opportunity to take together.

Chief Weiland’s favorite football team is the Green Bay Packers and whoever is playing against the Vikings. He has been on the Green Bay Packers Season Ticket waiting list since 1991.

He is currently number 1,463 on a list of 147,000 and impatiently waits for his number to be called. Thanks to the ladies in his household, he is a cardholding member of Bachelor Nation and it has him hooked!

Chief Weiland is inspired everyday by his family and the desire to serve and give back to others. “The legacy and opportunity that I leave behind when it is all said and done is very important to me,” he states. “Living a life that my children can be proud of while giving back to others, volunteering, and serving those in need are all things that I strive to do. Being known as a hard-working, honorable, reliable and dependable person who gave back and worked to improve the community around me is an important lifestyle characteristic that I try to emulate, and my hope is that my children will grow to model their own core values someday as well.”

Chief Weiland enjoys living in the Stanley community and he remarks, “The thing that I enjoy the most about this community is the opportunity I have had over the past 20 years to meet so many great people that I am able to call my friends. In my opinion there is nothing like being from or part of a small community and the uniqueness that it provides.” Chief Weiland adds, “I feel very blessed to have been able to work in this community for the past 20 years. Law enforcement is more than just a job, it is a lifestyle, with countless experiences, but I am very thankful for the opportunities it has provided me and my family.”