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Renton selects new Police Chief.

For immediate release
April 27, 2006
For additional information contact Jay Covington, Chief Administrative Officer, 425-430-6500

RENTON, WA--Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker announced today that she has selected Kevin Milosevich to be Renton’s Chief of Police.

Milosevich emerged as the top candidate after the city conducted a nation-wide search through the consulting firm of Waldron and Associates. Milosevich has served within the Renton Police department for the past 21 years, as Deputy Police Chief since 2003.

"We were pleased with the candidates we had to consider for the chief position," explained Mayor Keolker. "But throughout the process, Kevin exhibited a steady professionalism and competence that will keep Renton’s Police Department at the top of its game."

The Renton Police Department was one of the first departments in the State to receive national accreditation. The Department has a reputation for delivering high quality services to its residents, and working collaboratively with other departments in the region. As Chief, Milosevich will oversee a department budget of just under $18 million and 139 employees, 95 of whom are commissioned officers. The Department responds to approximately 56,000 calls for service annually. In addition to the usual police functions, the Department oversees a 50-bed jail and serves as the regional transportation hub for law enforcement agencies sending prisoners to other jail facilities.

"Renton will undergo significant change in the next ten years," said Mayor Keolker. "Annexations, neighborhood redevelopment, and economic revitalization in our downtown and in other areas will require a Police Chief who has the vision to see ahead of these changes and prepare the Department for them. I’m confident in Chief Milosevich’s capability and commitment to meet these challenges head on."

Milosevich began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Kelso Police Department, transferring to the Renton Police Department in 1985. He received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1982, graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1999, and was awarded his executive Certificate from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission in 2001.

"I am honored the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer have placed their confidence in me to lead the Renton Police Department," said Milosevich. "The City of Renton and its Police Department will face dramatic changes in the next ten years. I believe I have the skills necessary to lead this department successfully through those changes."

The appointment of Police Chief is subject to confirmation by the Renton City Council. Mayor Keolker said she expects to present Chief Milosevich to the Council for their confirmation at the Council’s May 8, 2006 meeting.