Kruger Named West Linn's New Chief of Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2018

Terry Kruger has been selected as the West Linn Police Department’s newest Chief of Police.

“I am pleased to announce Mr. Kruger as the West Linn Police Department’s newest leader,” City Manager Eileen Stein said. “As a longtime law enforcement professional, a 25 year resident of West Linn and a community minded individual, Mr. Kruger surfaced as the ideal candidate for the position.”

Kruger will begin with the City on June 4. His annual salary will be $125,000.

Kruger was selected for the position following an extensive interview process, a thorough background check and a police psychological evaluation.

The interview process spanned more than two months and 47 candidates. The first round of interviews for the Chief of Police position brought forth six candidates who were interviewed by group panels, which included members of the community. From there, the top two candidates were selected for final interviews. The final process involved interviews with the city manager and police department command staff.  In addition, a public reception was held where the two finalists answered questions before an audience of over 50 people who were invited to share their comments about the candidates.

Kruger retired from the Portland Police Bureau in 2016, after nearly 28 years of service.  A native Oregonian and graduate of Willamette University, Kruger has extensive experience training officers in multiple disciplines and has served as Team Leader for the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) operators, fire medics, tactical K-9s, intelligence officers and explosive disposal unit officers as part of the Tactical Operations Division.

As a Lieutenant for the Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct, Kruger served as Shift Commander and Acting Caption for Portland’s most diverse precinct, supervising 145 sworn personnel and six non-sworn members. While assigned to Detectives, Kruger oversaw the homicide, felony assault, bias crimes, cold case, missing person and polygraph units.   He was twice selected as the Adjutant to the Chief of Police, serving two separate Chiefs.  While in the Chief’s office, he additionally supervised the bureau’s communications unit and served as liaison to the business community.  Kruger has presented before City Council, attended meetings with the Mayor and represented the Police Bureau in City Manager meetings. He is a recipient of the Bureau’s Distinguished Service Medal for his career.

Details on a swearing in ceremony will be announced at a later date.

###