Yakima has a new police chief and his name is Matt Murray. Yakima City Manager Cliff Moore announced the selection of Murray during a Friday afternoon news conference at Yakima City Hall. Murray is currently serving as a lieutenant with the Denver Police Department and was one of five candidates who wanted to be the next leader of the Yakima Police Department.

Murray says he wanted to come to a place where he could make a difference. He says he and his wife wanted to find a community "where we can make a difference. Where people want us. Where we could feel a part of the community, and Yakima just really stood out."

Murray must still pass psychological and polygraph testing and undergo background checks before officially joining the city. The new chief is expected to start his job later this spring.

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