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Lakewood police report drop in crime; West Pierce Fire announces leadership changes
Summary
Police representatives reported declines in several crime categories and said they are recruiting to fill vacancies. West Pierce Fire & Rescue described planned leadership succession and upcoming community events.
Lakewood police told the Safety Advisory Committee that several crime categories are down year to date and that the department is working to fill staffing gaps, while West Pierce Fire & Rescue announced leadership succession and community outreach dates.
An unidentified police representative reported that aggravated assaults are "down about 20%," burglaries are down about 40%, stolen vehicles are down roughly 54% and overall crime is down about 26% compared with the prior reference period. The speaker said the department is short "about five or six" officers but has signed three conditional offers and expects new hires to start within days to weeks.
Michael Bounds of West Pierce Fire & Rescue told the committee that Chief Jim Sharp is retiring and that Ryan McGrady, the assistant chief, will move into the chief role; the department is preparing a succession plan and expects internal promotions. Bounds also promoted upcoming community events at Station 21 and Station 31 and encouraged residents to attend.
Committee members asked whether the department has adjusted patrol plans and technology to address crime patterns; the police representative confirmed cameras and vehicle technology were added and that patrol hours were reallocated to match calls for service.
What’s next: The police representative said recruiting will continue to be a focus and that conditional hires will proceed to academy training; the committee encouraged continued public outreach and coordination with neighborhood associations.
