Pasco City Manager Dave Zabell has named Mr. Larry Dickerson to serve as the Interim Police Chief with the retirement of Chief Bob Metzger.
Mr. Dickerson is a distinguished law enforcement professional serving most of his career at the City of Lacey, Washington, where he worked his way up from Police Officer to Chief over a 34-year career. Since his retirement from Lacey, he has since served in several Interim Chief roles and as a consultant to law enforcement agencies throughout the region with considerable focus on accreditation issues.
“The decision to appoint an Interim Chief from outside of the department should in no way be considered to be an indicator of the quality of potential internal candidates. To the contrary, I feel the City is fortunate to have some excellent individuals serving in our command ranks and have confidence in each one of them,” said City Manager Dave Zabell, adding that the department “is operating at a high tempo with a lot on its plate, burdening command staff with the loss of a position would put a heavy managerial burden on the Deputy Chief and Captains.”
Interim Chief Dickerson will be debriefing with Chief Metzger, senior staff, City staff, acquaint himself with the department, and will assume command of the department on Monday, April 8. As to the search for a new Chief, the City is committed to conducting a thorough search for executive level law enforcement talent and selecting the best qualified candidate for the community and the Department. The Prothman Company of Issaquah, has been selected to assist firm the City in this effort.
The City anticipates to be considering finalist candidates for the Chief’s position as early as July. There will be an opportunity for public input on the candidates.
The City of Pasco strives to continue improving the quality of life in the community.