Greeley City Manager Raymond Lee announced today the appointment of Adam Turk as the city’s next police chief.
Turk stepped in as interim police chief last September following the retirement of his predecessor Mark Jones. Since then, Turk led the Greeley Police Department while the city conducted a nationwide search. As one of four finalists for the permanent position, Turk’s experience, familiarity with Greeley, interim leadership, and the public’s input during the open forum all factored into the selection, Lee said.
“Adam’s commitment to serve the community is evident,” Lee said. “He proved that as he led the department ably over the past eight months. His hiring provides an important mix of continuity and stability, focused on community policing and building relationships.
“A police chief is one of the most important leadership positions in a community,” Lee added. “Having someone at the helm who will lead with intention and is willing to adapt to ensure we maintain a safe and secure community is essential to Greeley’s evolution.”
Turk started his law enforcement career in 1999 as an officer with the Greeley Police Department. In over 22 years with the department, he’s worked as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant supervising detectives, and lieutenant overseeing patrol operations. Promoted to deputy chief in 2018, his leadership duties included planning and development of organizational policies.
As police chief, Turk will lead one of the 10 largest departments in Colorado, with over 158 sworn and 63 civilian personnel across two divisions and an annual budget of $34.5 million.
“It is an honor and privilege to be selected as the next Greeley police chief,” Turk said. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the community I love, the citizens who make Greeley home, and to do so alongside the exceptional men and women of the Greeley Police Department.”
Turk graduated from the FBI National Academy and earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado. The 29-year resident of Greeley lives in the city with his wife, Angela, and their two sons.
About the Process
The Chief of Police recruitment and selection process started in January following the retirement of Mark Jones in September. Recruiting began in February and the search drew 23 applicants from across 12 states by the application deadline of March 20. Turk was one of four candidates selected for on-site interviews as part of the hiring process. The three-day on-site schedule May 17-19 included tours of the city, meetings with city personnel, an open forum with the public to meet and offer feedback, and other opportunities for the candidates to familiarize themselves with the city and department.
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