Medina hires Phillip Kemper as full-time police chief; board approves equipment expenditures

Mayor Scottie Betts and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously voted Aug. 7 to hire Phillip Kemper as Medina’s full-time police chief.

Kemper confirmed he would accept the position and outlined a five-year strategic plan that emphasizes increased officer visibility, proactive enforcement and leadership development. He told the board the department will issue new weapons and tasers, maintain its certified K-9 unit (K-9 Raven received certification that day), and pursue placement of Flock public-safety cameras at selected locations pending final site approvals.

Kemper reviewed a $55,000 capital outlay line item and proposed a package of vehicle purchases and trade-in transactions he said “would total $24,841,” leaving $30,159 in the line item as presented to the board. Alderman Marc Murdaugh moved to approve expenditures in the amount discussed; Alderman Angi Mathenia seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

Chief Kemper said the department will seek grants to purchase ballistic vests for K-9 Raven and K-9 Axle but that the department could pay from the budget if grants are unavailable. He also reported plans to roll out E-ticketing in October.

The board’s actions at the meeting also formalized the department’s recent equipment purchases and affirmed support for Kemper’s initial plan and staffing expectations. The meeting record shows the K-9 unit certification and the capital expenditure approval were granted the same day.