Tim Carlson, a 29-year veteran of the Westminster Police Department, was appointed this week to serve as chief of police for Colorado’s eighth-largest city.
City manager Don Tripp named Carlson to the top post two weeks after Chief Lee Birk, who had held that position since 2007 and had been with the Westminster Police Department since 1975, announced his retirement. Carlson has been the interim police chief since Birk’s departure.
“We have one of the best police departments in the country, with a well-trained and highly committed staff and a history of strong leadership,” Tripp said. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to appoint someone of Chief Carlson’s caliber and do so with great confidence and optimism.”
Carlson was hired as a patrol officer in 1987 and most recently served as deputy chief in the Patrol Services Division. He was awarded the departmentap Medal of Valor and Purple Heart in 2010, as well as the Medal of Distinguished Service and Medal of Meritorious Service in past years.
Carlson will lead a force of 184 sworn officers and 79 civilian employees.
