Lacey’s police chief plans to retire in October

Lacey police Chief Dusty Pierpoint announced his retirement Friday, telling department staff members it will take effect in October.

Department spokesman Jaime Newcomb confirmed Sunday that Pierpoint plans to retire after 33 years with the department, although a specific date in October has not been set.

“With anything, change and the unknown makes someone apprehensive,” he said about the chief’s decision. “You work with someone for 13 years and you get to know their leadership style.”

Newcomb described the chief as a fair man.

“He was always fair, always had an open door, he would allow you to come in and talk about anything, or complain,” he said. “That was always appreciated.”

Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder did not know that Pierpoint had announced his retirement Friday, although he was out of town for the weekend, he said. Ryder said he was caught off guard.

“I’m still processing this,” Ryder said. “I had no idea he was going to retire.”

Ryder said it was tough to think of Lacey without Pierpoint because he’s been the face of the city for so long.

It’s all speculation on why he is retiring right now, but the chief has earned it, Ryder said.

“I wish nothing but the best for Dusty,” he said.

Ken Kollmann, president of the Lacey police officers guild, was out of the office Friday, but said his phone began “blowing up” that afternoon with news about the chief’s decision.

After talking to other officers, Kollmann said the department was called to a meeting via email about 2:30 p.m. Friday. Pierpoint arrived, made his announcement and left, Kollmann said.

“It was very sudden and very quick,” he said. “It was definitely unexpected.”

The process for replacing Pierpoint wasn’t immediately clear Sunday, but Kollmann said the city likely will hire an interim chief before selecting a new chief.

The guild does not want the new chief to come from within the department, Kollmann said.

“Whatever selection is made, we want an outside chief,” he said. “That has been our stance for many, many years.”

This story was originally published July 29, 2018 at 10:38 AM.