PORT ANGELES – Terry K. Gallagher is the new chief of the Port Angeles Police Department, City Manager Mark Madsen announced Tuesday.
Madsen’s announcement drew a standing ovation at the Port Angeles City Council meeting.
Madsen handed Gallagher, 53, the chief’s badge, as the new chief’s wife, Tammy, and son, Keegan, stood next to him.
“[Former Chief] Tom [Riepe] got all choked up trying to say good-bye,” Gallagher said.
“Now I get all choked up trying to say hello.”
Gallagher, a 22-year veteran of the police department, replaces Riepe, who retired in May after 30 years on the force.
Gallagher had served as interim chief since Riepe retired.
As interim chief, Gallagher’s annual salary was $95,000.
It wasn’t clear what his salary as chief will be.
Gallagher was chosen from a panel of six finalists for the position.
He was the only finalist who was from the North Olympic Peninsula.
Madsen said Gallagher was “highly regarded and respected in the community.
“It was very important we find someone who can manage a department, someone who can lead the department through continued improvement,” Madsen said.
Madsen met with the Gallagher family Friday night and gave them the news.
The city manager told members of the Port Angeles Police Department during the morning shift change on Tuesday.
