The two people in the running to serve as Tacomas police chief for the next eight to 18 months – current acting Chief Don Ramsdell and Longview Police Chief Bob Burgreen – will spend July 11 in interviews with city staff, media representatives, citizens and union representatives.
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Burgreen will interview with representatives from several unions, including the Tacoma Police Union Local 6, Local 26 (captains and lieutenants) TPSMA (assistant chiefs) and the Teamsters.
Burgreen will conduct media interviews from 11 a.m. to noon. Ramsdell will conduct media interviews from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by interviews with the unions.
A panel will conduct two-hour interviews with Burgreen and Ramsdell, respectively, between noon and 4 p.m. The panel includes:
– General Services Director Leslie Rowen;
– Fire Chief Eileen Lewis;
– Human Resources Director Phil Knudsen;
– Human Rights Commission Chair Soloman Uwadiale;
– Domestic violence advocate Debra Hannula;
– Tacoma Weekly Publisher John Weymer; and
– Safe Streets representative Darlene Picone.
Following the panel interviews, each candidate will meet with City Manager Jim Walton, who will make the final hiring decision.
The citys Human Resources Department will conduct background and reference checks on both candidates this week. The background checks will consist of reviewing the candidates personnel files, conducting a criminal background check and interviewing professional and personal references.
The police chiefs salary range is $92,331 to $143,229.
The city is searching for an interim chief prior to selecting a permanent replacement in the wake of Tacoma Police Chief David Brame killing his wife, Crystal, and then himself on April 26.
