Mayor Swears in Stephan Wilder as North Canton's Police Chief (With Video)

People spilled into the council chambers at North Canton City Hall Monday night to see swear in as the city’s police chief.

Colleagues, friends, and family turned out to see Wilder take his oath. Those included his brothers — one who flew in from Cheyenne, WY, to surprise him.

“I was just shocked and excited and blessed,” Wilder said after he was sworn in. “The surprise was accomplished. I was actually speechless, other than to say it was great to see him.”

That brother, Lloyd Wilder, accompanied Canton resident Rich Wilder (another brother) in talking to North Canton Patch that evening.

“I’m just pleased as can be,” Lloyd Wilder said. “He’s worked so hard toward this, and I wouldn’t miss this for all the money in the world.”

The brothers agreed Wilder’s appointment to chief is especially touching for their family because their brother Ken, a police lieutenant, had died of a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 40. The desire to serve the public also is apparent in his nephew, who serves in Tallahassee.

The Glenwood High School graduate joined the in 1981 as an unpaid auxiliary officer, then moved to part time in 1982 and full time in 1986. He was promoted to lieutenant in November 1996.

He completed the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police and Command and the Ohio Police Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Leadership College.

He has lived in the area and has been married to his wife Mary, who pinned his badge on him Monday night, for more than 31 years.

Rich Wilder said his brother, also an Eagle Scout, is fit for the position of police chief.

“I know he won’t take the job lightly,” Rich Wilder said. “He’s a straight-shooter. He’s always been that way.”

Stephan Wilder said it’s the rank he’s always hoped to achieve.

“It’s been a goal of mine ever since I became a police officer,” he said. “I just was always willing to try to improve myself and I took whatever training I could get.”

Held, speaking to the packed room, said Wilder handled a hostage situation this year and had taught as a D.A.R.E. officer in North Canton City Schools. Although were qualified for the job, Wilder stood out with his leadership and willingness to serve the public.

“When you look at leadership, you think of the ability to learn. And I think just two weeks ago he graduated with his master’s in criminal justice,” Held said.

And the mayor couldn’t help but talk about Wilder’s physical fitness. (He’s no stranger to triathlons, in which athletes run, bike and swim various distances.)

“I may be 60, but don’t try me,” Wilder said laughing.

About leading the department, Wilder said, "I want to focus on what has to be done rather than what I want to do." 

"I'm not asking the men and women in the department to do something I wouldn't do myself or haven't done myself."

Although sworn in Monday night, Wilder will assume duties of police chief Sunday.