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Schoenle named chief of university police
By TRACEY EASTMAN
Reporter Contributor
Gerald Schoenle, assistant chief of police for the City of Arlington, Texas, and a 20-year member of the Buffalo Police Department, has been named chief of university police, effective July 31.
He will replace John Grela, who served as chief for 15 years. Grela will retire in October after 33 years of university service.
Schoenle was selected to head the UB Department of Public Safety after a national search that attracted an exceptional pool of highly qualified candidates. He has served as assistant chief of police for Arlington since May 2005.
A Buffalo native, Schoenle served with the Buffalo Police Department from 1980-2000, rising from patrol division officer to commander (captain) of communications and administration. In addition, he held the position of director of public safety training for Erie County Central Police Services from 2000-05.
He earned a master's degree in criminal science from Buffalo State College in 1999 and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Empire State College in 1998. He will be sworn in formally as chief of university police during a program to be scheduled later this summer.
Grela will remain at UB until Oct. 31, helping to refine UB's emergency planning process with University Facilities.
"We are pleased to welcome a professional with such a stellar background and who comes so highly recommended," Dennis R. Black, vice president for student affairs, said of Schoenle.
"Jerry met with people from around the university—students, administrators, community members, faculty—so UB could fully understand his qualifications. The committee found that his local knowledge, his demeanor and his willingness to be an innovative leader made him the ideal choice for this important position."
Schoenle lives in Eggertsville with his wife, Joanne. He has two daughters, including one who is a sophomore at UB.