Submitted by City of Gig Harbor
The City of Gig Harbor is proud to announce that Lt. Kelly Busey has been selected as its new Chief of Police. After a near two month search, Lt. Busey was selected from a list of top candidates from around the region.
Lt. Busey is a lifelong resident of the Kitsap Peninsula, a 1982 graduate of Olympic High School in Silverdale, and City University of Seattle. He has been a career officer with the Gig Harbor Police Department after joining the force in 1991 as entry-level Police Officer, 23 years ago. He currently holds the position of Lieutenant, to which he was promoted in 2013. He also has been serving as acting police chief since June 30, after the retirement of Chief Mike Davis.
Lt. Busey has earned the reputation as a loyal and take charge Officer. During his career, he has supervised the Police Explorers and COPS volunteers programs. He has served as the presiding member of the Washington State Peace Officer Certification Hearings Panel, developed the Marine Services Unit in Gig Harbor, and worked to eliminate derelict boats in Gig Harbor. Busey will oversee the staff of seventeen employees.
“I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support from within the department and community. I fell in love with Gig Harbor as a teenager and had planned to live here since that time. We have a fantastic Police Department and we enjoy a tight connection with our community. I hope to keep that bond very strong and to help keep Gig Harbor a terrific place to live,” states Lt. Busey. He enjoys spending his free time on his sailboat with his wife and two children, as well as traveling the region by land.
Lt. Busey has a strong commitment to community and serves on many local boards to include:
- Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board
- YMCA Advisory Council
- The Jaycox-Gig Harbor Police Benevolent Fund Board
- The Gig Harbor Yacht Club Sailing Board of Directors
Mayor Jill Guernsey spoke about the promotion of Lt. Busey by saying, “We have found the perfect candidate for Police Chief from one of our own. This demonstrates the quality of employees that call City Hall home.”
The City of Gig Harbor looks forward to a new era under the leadership of Chief Kelly Busey. For additional information or comment, contact City Administrator Ron Williams at 253-851-6127.
