Washington’s Police Chief is moving on to another job. Mayor Gary Manier confirmed on Facebook Wednesday that Jim Kuchenbecker is retiring, and becoming the Director of Public Safety with the city of Canton.
The news comes after rumors began last week that the Chief was leaving. Manier said he was given a heads up by Kuchenbecker a couple of weeks ago that he is eligible to retire and planning to. The Chief asked the mayor to keep the information confidential while he looked for another position.
Kuchenbecker has been the police chief since 2004. His retirement is effective June 30th. But Mayor Manier says the Chief is using accumulated vacation and personal time effective immediately. Deputy Chief Don Volk has been appointed to lead the City's Police Department.