City of Lancaster announces three finalists for chief of police; community meet-and-greet set for this week

LANCASTER, Pa., Dec. 11, 2025 – Mayor-elect Jaime Arroyo has selected three finalists in the search for a new chief of police, the city announced today. The finalists will be introduced to the public at a meet-and-greet next Thursday as the city prepares to appoint a successor to Chief Richard Mendez, who retires Dec. 19.

The city worked with Public Sector Search & Consulting to identify potential candidates through a nationwide search. All three candidates – Easton McDonald, Mirtha Ramos and Brian Wiczkowski – will attend the meet-and-greet.

Easton McDonald is the former assistant chief of police of the City of Alexandria Police Department, overseeing the Field Operations Bureau. With previous service in juvenile detention, corrections and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, he brings more than 28 years of public safety experience. McDonald has completed multiple executive leadership programs and holds a master’s degree from the University of New Haven.

Mirtha Ramos most recently served as chief of the DeKalb County Police Department. She brings more than 25 years of experience, beginning in 1997 with the Miami-Dade Police Department and advancing to division chief, where she managed major districts, transportation hubs and specialized units. Ramos holds a master’s degree in the psychology of leadership from Penn State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Brian Wiczkowski is the chief of police in West Lampeter Township, where he has guided the department to full accreditation and implemented several community-focused initiatives. He began his career more than 30 years ago with the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, specializing in community policing and rising to the rank of captain of the patrol division. He retired from the bureau in 2014 to take on his current role. Wiczkowski holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Millersville University.

Complete candidate bios are available at police.cityoflancasterpa.gov.

“I’m looking for a police chief the community and I can trust. Someone who’s authentic, empathetic and visible in our neighborhoods, who will continue to build on community engagement and a commitment to professional standards,” Mayor-elect Jaime Arroyo said. “Filling Chief Mendez’s shoes is no small task. He’s leaving the bureau in a strong position, and each of these candidates would bring unique strengths and perspectives to the city.”

Members of the community will meet and hear from all three candidates at the meet-and-greet on Dec. 18.

Each candidate will deliver a three-minute introduction, followed by time for attendees to speak with candidates directly. A survey will be available for the public to provide feedback. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Nelson M. Polite Council Chambers at City Hall, 120 N. Duke St.