Tualatin Names New Chief of Police

6/28/2016- Today the City of Tualatin announces that Bill Steele has been selected to serve as Tualatin’s new Chief of Police, following the retirement of Kent Barker on June 24, 2016. Chief Bill Steele’s first day with the City will be July 5, 2016.

Over the last five months, the City conducted a nationwide search to identify the next Police Chief. Chief Steele emerged as the final, most qualified candidate and best fit for the community. 

“We are thrilled to have Chief Steele on board as the next leader of our Tualatin Police Department,” said City Manager Sherilyn Lombos, “he brings a depth of experience, leadership, relationships and values that will serve Tualatin well into the future.”

Chief Steele comes to the City of Tualatin with 20 years of law enforcement and community leadership experience. He most recently served as the Chief Deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s office, where he served over 575,000 residents and managed nearly 600 employees. Starting with Washington County in 1996 as a Patrol Deputy, Chief Steele advanced his career through the department, serving in a number of roles including Patrol Lieutenant and Patrol Division Commander. In 2012, he also served as the interim Chief of Police with the City of Forest Grove. He is a dedicated and committed professional with a proven track record of promoting strong interagency relationships and building cooperation with public safety partners.

Citing Tualatin’s commitment to serving its community, Chief Steele stated “I’m truly honored to serve as the next Chief of Police in Tualatin and I look forward to assisting in their mission. Tualatin is an amazing city and I’m excited to be a part of its future.”

A welcoming reception is planned for Monday, July 11 at 4:30p at the Juanita Pohl Center; all are welcome.

For more information, please contact the Tualatin City Manager’s office at 503-691-3065 or twilliams@ci.tualatin.or.us .