Michael York will become the interim chief of police in September, according to an announcement today by the Unified Government.
Deputy chief since 2017, York started with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department as a patrol officer in 1992. He became a detective in 1998, captain in 2007 and major in 2012, according to the announcement. In 2016 he was named assistant chief.
UG Administrator Doug Bach said in a news release that York will lead the police department after Chief Terry Zeigler retires in September, until a permanent chief is hired.
“Deputy Chief York is long-time veteran of the KCK Police Department and has served the community for nearly 30 years with distinction,” Bach said in the news release. “He will be a strong leader of the department until a permanent chief is hired.”
Bach said he intends to launch a national search with the goal of hiring a permanent police chief in the second quarter of 2020.
The UG uses an extensive assessment center selection process in the search for qualified applicants to fill the chief of police position, a spokesman stated. The assessment center includes detailed reviews from law enforcement professionals and involvement from citizens and civic leaders in recommending and selecting the new chief.