On Monday, the city of Greenwood had a new Chief of Police patrolling the streets. </p><p>On July 28 the city of Greenwood extended an offer of employment to John Bergman as chief of police.</p><p>Bergman brings more than 14 years of law enforcement experience and has worked as a federal contractor, doing federal background investigations. In addition, Bergman spent 11 years with the Blue Springs Police Department and a few years with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. </p><p>The city of Greenwood selected Bergman after an extensive screening process and with the recommendation of the personnel board, the Greenwood Board of Aldermen confirmed Mayor Rich Decourcy’s appointment of Bergman by unanimous vote. </p><p>“I am proud to bring Chief Bergman aboard,” Decourcy said. “His knowledge in police work and his management and networking skills will be an asset in protecting our community and ensuring the safety of our citizens.”</p><p>Bergman said he has several goals for his first position as chief of police and he is excited to get started. “With any new position, I’m looking forward to the opportunity of taking new ideas and moving the department forward,” Bergman said. </p><p>Bergman said he intends to keep the city of Greenwood going in the right direction.</p><p>“It’s got an excellent foundation and good people,” he said. </p><p>Bergman said he was hired to grow the department with in the community.</p><p>“Personally, I think I have a lot of really good ideas,” he said. “I consider myself a progressive person. I have the nuts and bolts of law enforcement and I balance that together with managerial skills.”</p><p>Bergman said he hopes to expand the department within the next few years. This year the fiscal year 2009 budget has already been set, but Bergman said he wants to look at adding more officer positions for the next year.</p><p>He also expressed interest in more community policing, in which the community and the police department work hand-in-hand.</p><p>“We’ll reach out to the business community, and the educational community and the citizens in general,” Bergman said. “It’s a three-prong approach to building relationships with-in the community.”</p><p>Bergman said he is looking forward to working with the city of Greenwood, the mayor, Board of Aldermen and the citizens.</p><p>“I look forward to keeping Greenwood a good community to live and work,” Bergman said. “And I am grateful and flattered to have gotton the job.”</p><p>Bergman began working as Chief of Police on Monday. </p><p>Gary Bonine, former chief of police for the city of Greenwood announced that he was stepping down in late June. </p><p>The city immediately began a search for his replacement.