Hoquiam Police Chief Myers had some decisions to make recently with the recent retirement of his Deputy Chief. Along with that, it opened up other leadership opportunities within his department and he outlined that in a recent press release.
With the retirement of Deputy Chief Don Wertanen on March 31st, the department entered a period of leadership transition.
On April 1st, Detective Sergeant Joe Strong was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police for the Hoquiam Police Department.
Deputy Chief Strong served for over five years as the HPD detective sergeant assigned as the supervisor of the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force. DTF consists of detectives from the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen PD and Hoquiam PD.
Deputy Chief Strong was recognized last year as The Daily World Police Officer of the Year for his work in combating illegal drug activity in our region, to include supervising the “Green Jade” investigation. “Green Jade” shut down numerous illegal marijuana grows located all over Grays Harbor County which was operated by Chinese drug trafficking organizations.
Deputy Chief Strong is a 24-year veteran of the Hoquiam Police Department and grew up in the North Beach area. Deputy Chief Strong followed in the footsteps of his father, Sidney Strong, who was also a Hoquiam police officer.
On April 1st, Detective Sergeant Joe Strong was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police for the Hoquiam Police Department.
Deputy Chief Strong served for over five years as the HPD detective sergeant assigned as the supervisor of the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force. DTF consists of detectives from the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen PD and Hoquiam PD.
Deputy Chief Strong was recognized last year as The Daily World Police Officer of the Year for his work in combating illegal drug activity in our region, to include supervising the “Green Jade” investigation. “Green Jade” shut down numerous illegal marijuana grows located all over Grays Harbor County which was operated by Chinese drug trafficking organizations.
Deputy Chief Strong is a 24-year veteran of the Hoquiam Police Department and grew up in the North Beach area. Deputy Chief Strong followed in the footsteps of his father, Sidney Strong, who was also a Hoquiam police officer.
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Deputy Chief Strong is currently in the process of transitioning from DTF into his administrative duties here at HPD. There is no doubt his experience in DTF will provide valuable expertise in supporting HPD Focus Point #1: Targeting drug dealers and drug locations.
With the promotion of Deputy Chief Strong, this created an opening for a patrol sergeant. Officer David Blundred was promoted to sergeant on April 1st.
Sergeant Blundred has been with the Hoquiam Police Department for over nine years. During this time, he has been a patrol officer, detective, officer-in-charge, acting sergeant, hostage negotiator and defensive tactics instructor.
Sergeant Blundred grew up in Hoquiam and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Martin’s University. He started his career in juvenile and state corrections, with a total of over 17-years of law enforcement service.
Sergeant Blundred has always been very proactive on the street and as a detective; he has consistently demonstrated himself to be an effective leader, even well before he was promoted. Sergeant Blundred will be taking over Sergeant Mitchell’s patrol squad as Sergeant Mitchell rotates into Investigations as the next detective sergeant.
Chief Myers says that he is very proud of the excellent work both of these professionals have done for our department and our community; I have no doubt this will continue as they transition into their new duties.
With the promotion of Deputy Chief Strong, this created an opening for a patrol sergeant. Officer David Blundred was promoted to sergeant on April 1st.
Sergeant Blundred has been with the Hoquiam Police Department for over nine years. During this time, he has been a patrol officer, detective, officer-in-charge, acting sergeant, hostage negotiator and defensive tactics instructor.
Sergeant Blundred grew up in Hoquiam and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Martin’s University. He started his career in juvenile and state corrections, with a total of over 17-years of law enforcement service.
Sergeant Blundred has always been very proactive on the street and as a detective; he has consistently demonstrated himself to be an effective leader, even well before he was promoted. Sergeant Blundred will be taking over Sergeant Mitchell’s patrol squad as Sergeant Mitchell rotates into Investigations as the next detective sergeant.
Chief Myers says that he is very proud of the excellent work both of these professionals have done for our department and our community; I have no doubt this will continue as they transition into their new duties.