News Release: Mayor Sue Finkam announces Chief of Police

City of Carmel, Indiana sent this bulletin at 02/15/2024 11:59 AM EST

View as a webpage / Share

NEWS RELEASE

Date: February 15, 2024

Contact: (317) 571-2474 or media@carmel.in.gov

Release: Immediate

Mayor Sue Finkam selects Drake Sterling as Carmel's next chief of police

CARMEL, IN – An experienced police executive leader with more than fifteen years of dedicated law enforcement service will serve as the new chief of police for the City of Carmel, Mayor Sue Finkam announced today.

Drake Sterling will assume the role February 29, providing the leadership and direction necessary to enable members of the Carmel Police Department to deliver the highest level of law enforcement services to the community.

“Drake is a one-of-a-kind leader in law enforcement as evidenced by recognition from his peers for excellence and devotion to duty. I greatly appreciate his enthusiastic leadership and desire to build a positive culture,” Finkam said. “Leading what I believe to be the best police department in the country, taking care of those who wear the uniform and working closely with me as we keep public safety the top priority, is a position that Drake is well-suited for, and I am delighted to have him join our leadership team.”

Sterling most recently served as Captain for Zionsville Police Department and the Assistant SWAT Commander for the Boone County Special Response Team. Through his various roles with the Zionsville Police Department, Sterling oversaw community outreach, patrol, investigations, training, budgeting, fleet management, contracts and hiring. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, holds a graduate certificate in criminal justice from University of Virginia and is a graduate of both the Public Service Leadership Institute and the Indiana Police Chief Training Program. He is also a current member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Carmel is a city on the move, and I look forward to providing strong collaboration and leadership for the police officers and citizens of this community as we advance Mayor Finkam’s vision,” Chief Drake Sterling said. “Leadership is challenging. We must be willing to meet people, both our employees and the citizens we serve, where they are at. We must do so with humility, patience, and respect for our differences. My leadership philosophy is rooted in three principles: establishing expectations, investing in people, and empowerment.”

"Chief Sterling understands a police department is not detached from nor separate from the community, but instead an extension of it. He is committed to transparency with the public and an active member of the community. He is committed and shows personal sacrifice to get the job done right. He will no doubt do the same for Carmel. I look forward to collaborating with Chief Sterling as a peer,” said Zionsville Police Chief Michael Spears.

Mayor Finkam involved community members, media and police peers in the selection process and held extensive meetings, simulations and interviews to assist in making a final decision.

“I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the selection process, especially the leadership of the Carmel Fraternal Order of Police, for their thoughtful and diligent work. This was an extremely difficult decision with so many exemplary candidates,” Mayor Finkam said. “And I would like to thank every applicant who put themselves forward to serve the City of Carmel.”

Chief Sterling will have a public Swearing In Ceremony on March 12 with details announced at a later date.

About the City of Carmel, Indiana

The City of Carmel is a thriving suburban community in Central Indiana, and is ranked one of the most livable mid-size U.S. cities. Known nationwide for pioneering urban design, Carmel has received numerous awards for its community amenities, quality of life, business environment and excellent schools, and continues to build community for those who live, work, play and visit the city. For more information, visit www.carmel.in.gov.

City of Carmel, Indiana

City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032

Website | Contact us

Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Help

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by City of Carmel, IN.