Caldwell mayor recommends police chief candidate, who cites ‘challenges’ for department

Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner is recommending a Henderson, Nevada, police captain to be the Canyon County city’s next police chief.

Jason Kuzik would replace Frank Wyant, who is retiring after 30 years of service in Caldwell, according to a news release. Wagoner will present his choice of Kuzik to the City Council on Wednesday.

Kuzik is a captain in the Henderson Police Department, just southeast of Las Vegas, and has 25 years of experience in law enforcement.

“I found Caldwell to have similarities to Henderson with a focus on community, family, and public safety,” Kuzik said in a news release. “Before this exciting opportunity came about my wife, Sandy, and I already decided that Caldwell would be our home after my eventual retirement from the Henderson Police Department in a few years. Though there have been some recent challenges within CPD, I believe the department is strong, resilient, and very capable.”

If confirmed, Kuzik would take over during a turbulent time. The FBI is investigating the Caldwell department, but the city said Wyant was not the subject of the investigation.

Lt. Joseph A. “Joey” Hoadley was recently charged with striking someone and depriving him of his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable force, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. Hoadley was fired earlier this month.

The Statesman also reported that records show at least six officers have resigned from the Caldwell Police Department since October.