Redmond's New Police Chief
Chief Gibson brings "Three C's" to Redmond Police

There isn't a new sheriff in town, but there is a new chief. Ron Gibson joined the Redmond Police Department from Colorado Springs on June 1 of this year.CHie He brings leadership, open communication and a philosophy of focusing on “Three C’s:” Character, Credibility and Courage. As he spends time with Redmond Police personnel and members of the community, he’s discovering it won’t be difficult to implement his “Three C’s."

"There aren't a lot of major changes that need to be made within our department—we have high caliber employees and that type of talent makes any job that much easier and enjoyable," Gibson remarked. "When Chief Harris came here in the 1970s he set high standards for the men and women who serve this city every day. He built a department that is recognized throughout the country."

There are many things Chief Gibson brings with him from his career at the Colorado Springs Police Department where he entered the force in September 1979. He has been through the ranks, but hasn’t forgotten where he started and the importance of an entire organization working cohesively.

One of the first few changes he made, quickly earning the respect of line officers, is to assure the safety of those responding to calls. For instance, Gibson made sure ballistic equipment was readily available for all patrol officers.

"In Colorado Springs, we had two officers killed in the line of duty in 2006,” Gibson said. “You can never be too careful, as the Seattle area recently learned. Our officers need to be well trained, equipped and prepared should something arise in our community, but just as importantly anywhere in the Seattle area where we may be called to assist.”

Chief Gibson has been welcomed into both the Redmond family of officers and the non-commissioned employees. He takes every opportunity to stop and talk with those who work behind the scenes—dispatchers, support staff and administration.

“The people who make this operation run aren’t just those you see everyday in patrol cars. It’s just as much those you don’t see who work long hours, often doing thankless jobs to make sure our community remains safe.”

Chief Gibson has made efforts to meet members of the community, as well—attending meetings, introducing himself and gathering feedback.

“It’s funny, because I meet people and wait to hear all the things they want changed. Yet, most people have nothing but high praise for this department. The question I get asked most often is ‘what made you come to Redmond?"

We have his daughter to thank for that. She lives in Everett, was aware of the opening and encouraged her father to apply. Chief Gibson and his wife, Esther, visited the Seattle area when the position was open and he took that opportunity to study the department and the city.

“I did a ton of research,” Gibson shares. “I spoke to [Interim] Chief Fuller about the department, asked people in law enforcement about the job and honestly tried to find a reason why I shouldn’t pursue the job. I was very happy in Colorado Springs, so it was going to take the perfect situation to convince me I should move. Redmond was it.”
Chief Gibson inherits 127 employees eager to hear what their new boss has to say.

"I want everyone to be a leader in our organization. Being a leader isn't about a certain title or making a specific pay range. It's about doing the right thing with the right attitude every day, even when nobody is watching."

And, they've got a good role model for it. Gibson himself served three years in the United States Army before joining the ranks of law enforcement. His career has been a steady climb from patrol officer to Sergeant, to Lieutenant, to Commander, to Deputy Chief—the position he left at Colorado Springs after 30 years with the department.

Colorado Spring's loss is Redmond’s gain. "It was obvious very early that this is a special department. Esther and I are pleased to be here in a community that has welcomed us with open arms."