HomeMy WebLinkAboutHonoring the Retirement of Chief Ken RoskeProclamation
“Honoring the Retirement of Chief Ken Roske”
March 23, 2026
WHEREAS, Chief Ken Roske has dedicated nearly four decades of distinguished service to the
Pasco Police Department, beginning his career in 1986 and rising through the ranks to become Chief of
Police in 2019, marking the first time in fifty years that a Chief was selected from within the department,
reflecting his deep knowledge, experience, and commitment to the organization and community he
serves; and
WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished career, Chief Roske has served the community with honor
and professionalism in numerous roles including Police Officer, Traffic Officer and DUI Specialist, K9
Handler and Trainer, Field Training Officer, Investigator, Sergeant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and
ultimately Chief of Police, and he is also a graduate of the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation’s
National Academy (Session 242) demonstrating versatility, leadership, and dedication at every level;
and
WHEREAS, under his leadership, the Pasco Police Department has embraced a community-
centered policing approach which has strengthened public safety while fostering trust, transparency, and
meaningful engagement between law enforcement and the residents of Pasco; and
WHEREAS, Chief Roske successfully led the department through both state and national
accreditation processes, achieving dual accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and
Police Chiefs (WASPC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA), reflecting the highest standards of professionalism and accountability; and
WHEREAS, his forward-thinking leadership introduced innovative programs and initiatives
including advancements in public safety technology such as early adoption of in-car dash cameras and
the department’s distinction as the first in the region to deploy body-worn cameras to all patrol officers,
along with the development and implementation of a robust social media program that enhanced
communication, transparency, and public trust, resulting in one of the largest law enforcement social
media followings in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Chief Roske fostered strong regional partnerships and enhanced
public safety by leading key initiatives such as establishing the first state-certified regional police
academy, supporting the development of a regional 911 dispatch center and the merging of a regional
SWAT team, implementing the Drones as First Responders program, and advancing data-driven policing
strategies; and
WHEREAS, Chief Roske has been instrumental in building strong community partnerships
including collaborating with the Pasco School District to expand School Resource Officer programs,
cofounding the Pasco Police Foundation, serving as a founding board member of El Puente to support
at-risk youth and families, and establishing police services at the Tri-Cities Airport in partnership with
the Port of Pasco; and
WHEREAS, under his direction, the department has been guided through growth, change, and
challenges, ensuring that the Pasco Police Department remains responsive, forward-thinking, and
dedicated to excellence in service; and
WHEREAS, Chief Roske’s decades of leadership, innovation, integrity, and dedication to public
safety have left a lasting impact on the Pasco Police Department and the community, setting a standard
of excellence for future generations of law enforcement professionals; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charles Grimm, Mayor of the City of Pasco, Washington, do hereby
recognize and commend Chief Ken Roske for his extraordinary career of service and extend our sincere
appreciation and gratitude as he retires from the Pasco Police Department.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City of Pasco celebrates Chief Ken Roske’s lasting
legacy and encourages all residents to join in thanking him for his unwavering commitment to public
safety and community service and to wish him continued success and fulfillment in his well-deserved
retirement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City
of Pasco, State of Washington, to be affixed this 23rd day of March 2026.
Charles Grimm, Mayor
City of Pasco