KENAI — Heading Kenai’s police department is a family affair as the new police chief was sworn in by his father who retired from the job more than 20 years ago.
David Ross was sworn in as Kenai Police Chief on Tuesday by his father, Richard Ross, who served as chief from 1975 to 1993, The Peninsula Clarion reported.
David Ross replaces former Kenai Police Chief Gus Sandahl, who announced his retirement last month.
David Ross joined the department in 2001 and says he had no interest in being a police officer when his dad was in charge. Since joining he worked his way up to the role of lieutenant, working as a patrol officer and investigator.
“During his time as lieutenant, he has taken on some very important assignments for the department,” said Kenai Mayor Pat Porter. “He is very loyal to the city, and he’s going to make an excellent chief.”
David Ross said he is excited to be on the job, despite challenges such as recruitment and retention rates. He said he is excited to carry on Sandahl’s legacy of professionalism.
“(Sandahl) was a guy that you always knew where he stood,” David Ross said. “So you always came to work knowing exactly what to expect, and I appreciated that in a boss, and he was good to work for in that way, and I really just kind of hope to go on with the good succession.”
Richard Ross said he expects his son will do well at the helm of the department.
“I’m very proud of David,” he said. “I think he’ll do a good job, but that’s a dad talking.”
