Quantcast

Covington police chief retires; successor named

 
Covington police chief retires; successor named
Colonel Brian Valenti, Chief of Police | City of Covington

After nearly three decades of service, Covington Police Chief Brian Valenti has announced his retirement. Lt. Col. Justin Wietholter has been named as his successor.

Valenti, who became Chief in 2022, started his career with the Covington Police Department in September 1996. He worked in various roles, including DUI Enforcement Officer and detective in the D-Team. Valenti served across all bureaus of the department—Administration, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics/Vice (D-Team), and Patrol. For over 20 years, he was also part of the department’s Honor Guard.

“Covington isn’t only my employer or where I work,” Valenti said. “It has become a home, a second family that can never be replaced."

Valenti expressed confidence in Lt. Col. Justin Wietholter as the new Chief of Police: “Lt. Col. Wietholter is by far the most logical choice to be the city’s next police chief."

Wietholter joined the department in 2005 through the Police Cadet Program and has held various leadership roles since then. He currently serves as Assistant Chief of Operations.

“I am honored for the opportunity to continue serving the City of Covington in this new role,” Wietholter said.

As for Valenti's future plans, he joked about playing golf and traveling with his wife after her retirement later this year.

The City of Covington thanked Chief Valenti for his service and congratulated Chief Wietholter on his new role.