This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, June 17, 2009 - New St. Louis County Police Chief Timothy Fitch, who just took office last week, is already putting his stamp on the department.
Fitch said Tuesday that he has made his first department promotions. The details of the six appointments -- including the names -- were made public Wednesday afternoon.
They are:
-- The promotions of Major Terry Roberds and Captains Kenneth Gregory and Kenneth Cox to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel,;
-- Director Bill Howe to the position of Executive Director;
-- Lieutenants Mary Barton and Jeff Bader to the rank of Captain.
Fitch, 47, was formally introduced at Tuesday evening's meeting of the St. Louis County Council. With the department since 1983, Fitch took over last Wednesday as the new chief of the county department. He replaces former Chief Jerry Lee, who is retiring Aug. 1.
Lee's departure has been controversial, because it apparently is linked to disagreements with County Executive Charlie Dooley.
Before taking over as chief, Fitch had been a major and head of the department's Operational Support Division.
Fitch said during a brief interview that more promotions and appointments will be forthcoming soon.
