Yakima Police Chief Says It’s Time to Enjoy Retirement

Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray has announced his retirement set for June 30. In a statement issued Wednesday Murray says his wife Marci is retiring from the Yakima School District on June 18 so he wants to follow her a week later.

MURRAY WAS FIRST KNOWN AS THE WALKING CHIEF

Murray started his job in May of 2019 and was quickly recognized around the city as the "walking Chief" pledging to walk every corner of the city. He says during his journey around the city he met thousands of residents, many who talked and walked with him. Murray says Yakima residents "welcomed me into your homes, showed me the things you were most proud of, and shared some of the things you were most concerned with. Your trust has been instrumental in our success and your voices guided our efforts."

MURRAY SAYS IT'S TIME TO PASS THE TORCH TO THE COMMUNITY

Murray says he's passing the torch to the community to continue efforts to make major change and uphold the work he was proud to accomplish in Yakima.
According to city officials Murray begin his career in Denver, Colorado in 1991 as a Patrol Officer with the Denver Police Department.

MURRAY STARTED MOVING UP THE LADDER IN 2008

In 2008 he was promoted to lieutenant overseeing the Patrol Division and leading an effort in 2009 to launch the department’s social media efforts "to combat biased information that was being distributed about the Denver PD."
In 2015 he became the a deputy chief of police/chief of staff by the Denver police chief until leaving and becoming the Chief of the Yakima Police Department in 2019.

THE SEARCH FOR A NEW LEADER WILL START SOON

Now city officials will soon begin a local and national search for a new Chief the lead the department into 2024 and beyond.
Murray succeeded Dominic Rizzi, who held the Yakima police chief position from spring 2012 until fall 2018.