Lacey police chief Ken Semko, citing his health, will retire
Lacey Police Chief Ken Semko, who served in that role for about 14 months, has announced he will retire. His last day as chief will be April 30.
His decision was driven by “health considerations,” a news release reads. He could not immediately be reached on Sunday.
“It has been an honor to serve as Chief of Police for the city of Lacey. However, at this time, I must focus on my health and family,” Semko said in the statement.
Deputy Police Chief Bob Almada has been named interim police chief. He takes over May 1.
“Almada has more than 29 years of law enforcement experience,” City Manager Scott Spence said in the statement. “The city is fortunate to have his caliber of leadership during this transition.”
The city said it will not recruit a new chief until after the COVID-19 crisis is in hand.
The pandemic has slowed the economy, including in Lacey, which seen an across-the-board drop in tax revenue that has created a $6.32 million hole in the city’s general fund budget. The city has made cuts to accommodate the drop in revenue, but if the pandemic stretches into summer, the budget might be adjusted again, Spence has warned.
Semko began as chief in February 2019, following 27 years with the Santa Monica Police Department. He started as a Santa Monica officer in 1991 and rose through the ranks to become interim police chief.
Semko replaced longtime chief Dusty Pierpoint.
This story was originally published April 26, 2020 at 12:27 PM.
