Manchester Police Chief Hauschild Retires, Welcomes New Chief Davis

Manchester is saying goodbye to its police chief.

Chief Jim Hauschild is retiring today after 30 years working for the Manchester Police Department.

Hauschild says it’s been a lifelong career that he’s very thankful for.

Hauschild has spent the past ten years as police chief – promoted when longtime chief Bruce Trapp retired in 2014.

As his time comes to a close, Hauschild reflects on his accomplishments and challenges.

At the end of last year, the City of Manchester offered their voluntary early retirement package – and in January, Chief Hauschild announced he would accept the offer and retire on May 31st.

The search got underway for his replacement earlier this year, with Mayor Connie Behnken appointing Fayette Police Chief Ben Davis as the new Manchester police chief late last month. 

Davis started on the job on Tuesday, with the two serving as “co-chiefs” this week during the transition. 

Davis has spent most of his life in northeast Iowa, with many family ties to law enforcement and service.

He says when he found out the Manchester police chief position was opening up, he knew almost immediately he wanted to apply.

Davis describes himself as a non-traditional police chief.

Does he plan on making any big changes right away?

Davis says his first week on the job has been excellent, adding that he’s felt very welcomed by the Manchester community.

And as the Manchester community welcomes a new police chief, they’ll also be saying goodbye to Chief Hauschild. The public was invited to Hauschild’s retirement open house at the Manchester fire station during the lunch hour on Friday, with a special presentation by Mayor Connie Behnken and former Mayor Milt Kramer. Hauschild says he’s feeling mixed emotions as he heads into his final day – but mostly he’s feeling grateful for the life career he’s had.

photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH