Police chief to retire after 32 years of service

After 32 years of serving the Keene community, Keene Police Department (KPD) Chief Arthur Walker will retire on Dec. 31 of this year.
His retirement will leave a void for KPD to fill, as well as the potential for changes to be made by his replacement.
According to city manager, John MacLean, everything should continue as they did before, but Walker’s leadership and insight are unique and will be tough to replace.
“He has done every job there is to be done, from patrolling the streets to managing the department office,” MacLean said.
MacLean said there are a variety of qualifications to consider when looking for new candidates.
Having enough experience and familiarity with Keene and its community members is one of the most important factors, according to MacLean, but being able to manage the demands of reviewing daily reports and administrative duties is important as well.
MacLean said finding the right person for the job can take a few different routes.
According to MacLean there are three ways to find a replacement: looking outside of the Keene community, looking inside at persons already employed by KPD or to appoint an ‘Acting Chief’ who would assume responsibilities while a more permanent appointment is sought.
MacLean hesitated to say who is actually in the running for the position, but said the upcoming transition will likely take the second route by appointing one of the two captains of the KPD to the chief position.
Because both captains have ample experience on the force and dealing with matters on a larger scale, they would be best suited for the job according to MacLean.
Captain Jack Zeller said he did not wish to comment on the possibility of being a candidate for the position of chief because he has not been approached with the offer.
Zeller said Walker accomplished a great deal during his time as chief and his work has left an impression on the department.
“He has done a marvelous job,” Zeller said. “He has built a solid foundation. He has been fair minded and very involved with the community and the college.  We’re going to miss him.”
Zeller has been on the force for over 30 decades and said he has seen the changes brought by Walker.
“He created a new mission statement, and helped the KPD gain national recognition by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies,” Zeller said.
Zeller said if whoever takes over the position does half as good a job as Walker they would still being doing well.
According to the College Liaison Officer, John Stewart, changes brought about by a new chief can be drastic, but he said the relationship between KPD and the community can only get stronger.
“Through this program the Police Department and the college have forged a strong partnership that is only getting better,” Stewart said.  “If anything, a new chief will bring in different ideas and initiatives that I believe will only further forge the partnership between the PD and the college.”
Stewart applauded Walker’s support of the College Liaison Officer program.
“Walker has made campus safety a priority by ensuring the continued support of the KSC Liaison Officer Program and ensuring that I get the necessary support and assistance I need,” he said.
While KSC and the Keene community may miss Walker’s insight and leadership at KPD, he is not straying far from his former duties.
According to Stewart, Walker plans on becoming an adjunct professor at KSC, teaching an introductory level criminal justice course in the Spring 2010 semester. 

Anthony Yates can be contacted at ayates@keeneequinox.com.