RUSSELL — On Tuesday, the city of Russell announced a new police chief has been selected to take over the position upon the retirement of Dale Weimaster on April 1.
"It was essential to the city and the community that we find the best person to lead the police department in the future," the announcement said. "The city conducted both an internal and nationwide search and was pleased with the quantity and the quality of the applications received."
Following the search, lifelong Russell resident and current sergeant with the department Jordan Harrison was selected to fill the position.
Harrison began with the Russell Police Department in 2008, serving as a patrolman, senior patrolman and was promoted to sergeant in 2017, the announcement said.
"Jordan's knowledge of current management practices, innovative approaches to solving problems, leadership, and commitment to the police department, our community, and the citizens, make Jordan the ideal candidate to move the department forward," said City Manager Jon Quinday.
Harrison is a Fort Hays State University graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and is a recent graduate of the certified public manager program through the University of Kansas Public Management Center.
He has also earned advanced incident command certifications and attended the FBI's Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development School.
As a lifelong Russell resident, Harrison has been an active member of the community, serving as assistant fire chief and as a part-time emergency medical technician for Russell County EMS.
He is also a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge #177 and has worked as KSHSAA certified basketball official.
"It is truly an honor to be selected to lead the department," Harrison said. "I look forward to collaborating with other entities in the community to continue to make Russell a great place to call home."
Harrison is set to take the oath of office during a public event at 2 p.m. April 1 in the city council chambers in the city building at 410 Ferry.