New Canby police chief chosen

Bret Smith will take over as police chief in early January

  • By: John Baker  
  • Published: 11/13/2009 1:31:29 PM
Photo By: Ray HugheyNew chief
Bret Smith has been named Canby's new police chief. He'll begin his duties the first of the new year.
Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Bret Smith is Canby’s new chief of police.

Smith was tabbed for the post Friday morning. His selection is a hopeful first step in the recovery process from a nearly a year-long struggle that saw former chief Greg Kroeplin resign and later led in part to the firing of city administrator Mark Adcock.

“Bret was selected for his integrity, leadership abilities, experience and professionalism,” said Amanda Klock, interim city administrator. “The five finalists were all highly qualified for the position and our goal through the interview process was to find the best fit for our community.”

“We’re looking forward to the many strengths Bret will bring to the positioGot a News Tip?n and believe he will engage in a culture that is respectful, ethical and professional,” she added.

A graduate of Marylhurst University in business management, Smith has been employed by the Portland Police Bureau for 28 years and most recently has been assistant chief of investigations. He is the recipient of numerous awards and special recognition and has several community and professional affiliations.

“I think we all need this,” said Klock, “the police department, community and staff. We all need to get someone in there. Lt. (Jorge) Tro has done a great job in the interim and we’ve very pleased with the work he’s done.

“Ultimately, we need to move past the issues of the past and this is the first step to doing that,” Klock added.

Hired as a police officer in 1981, Smith rose through the Portland Police Bureau ranks to sergeant, lieutenant, captain, precinct commander and assistant chief. 

He has experience in many aspects of policing and most recently has management responsibility over divisions and units such as detectives, drugs and vice, gang enforcement, and domestic violence. 

 “This has been a unique process, one of a kind in the history of Canby,” said Mayor Melody Thompson. “From a group of exceptional candidates, the city has selected an exceptional police chief in Bret Smith. I hope you’ll join us in welcoming him to Canby in the weeks ahead.”

Smith will begin his new duties in Canby the first part of January.
 

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K.S. from Canby
11/13/2009 5:07:55 PM

I join all Canby residents in welcoming our new police chief and wishing him the best. But if anyone thinks the citizens of Canby had anything to do with picking him, they are sadly mistaken. Equally sad is this "newspaper's" refusal to cover the truth about the process. Good luck Chief. It's unfortunate that your approval process was such a charade.
 
L.L. from Canby
11/14/2009 11:40:57 AM

Welcome to Canby Chief, best wishes on the new job. I just hope the police union lets you do your job, and supports you, and does not cause you the problems they have caused other chiefs.
 
S.T. from Canby
11/16/2009 10:27:58 PM

A good process that Canby can be proud of. Good luck Chief Smith, congratulations. This are looking up.

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