Submitted by City of Lacey
On December 6, Lacey City Manager Scott Spence announced Ken Semko has accepted the City’s offer to serve as Lacey’s next Police Chief. The announcement follows a nationwide search and comprehensive selection process following Police Chief Dusty Pierpoint’s retirement on October 31, 2018, after 33 years with the Lacey Police Department.
“Ken’s law enforcement credentials are comprehensive and impressive. I am confident Ken has the right combination of experience, education, and qualities that will make him a successful Police Chief for our community,” stated Scott Spence. Upon successful completion of pre-employment conditions, the City expects Semko to assume the Lacey Police Chief duties on February 11, 2019.
Semko comes to Lacey with 27 years of experience with the Santa Monica Police Department. He started in 1991 as an officer and rose through the ranks, eventually serving as interim police chief. Santa Monica’s Police Department serves a population of approximately 92,000 with 450 personnel, including 214 sworn officers, and a $90 million biennial budget. Ken has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Masters in Organizational Leadership.
The Lacey Police Chief oversees a department of 64 employees, including 52 commissioned officers. In addition, this position is accountable for a $10.6 million public safety budget and an additional $930,000 in contract services. The Chief of Police is responsible for law enforcement, an active crime prevention program, and the protection of life and property for Lacey residents.
City Manager Spence expresses his sincere thanks and appreciation to the community members who took part in the process of selecting Lacey’s Police Chief. He would also like to thank the community for their continued support of the Lacey Police Department.
