Mayor names Kathy Wuorinen interim Chief of Police

Mayor names Kathy Wuorinen interim Chief of Police

Wuorinen currently serves as assistant chief of support services and administration for the Saint Paul Police Department 

SAINT PAUL – Mayor Chris Coleman today announced that Assistant Chief Kathy Wuorinen will be appointed interim Chief of Police when Chief Tom Smith retires later this spring, while a permanent replacement is sought. Wuorinen currently serves as assistant chief of support services and administration for the Saint Paul Police Department.

“I’m incredibly grateful that Assistant Chief Wuorinen will be taking the helm this spring,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “Her history with the department and her strong leadership make her more than qualified to step into the interim role as we continue our search for a new police chief.”

Wuorinen grew up on Rice Street in Saint Paul. She began her law enforcement career as a deputy with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department in 1985 and joined the Saint Paul Police Department in 1988. She has worked in a variety of positions, including as a police officer, sergeant, commander and her current role as assistant chief overseeing support services and administration. She currently lives in Woodbury with her husband of 20 years, Sgt. John Wuorinen, who is assigned to the department’s Internal Affairs Unit. 

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as interim chief while Mayor Coleman and the City of Saint Paul decide who will be the next permanent chief,” Wuorinen said. “The Saint Paul Police Department is comprised of exceptional people who are committed to serving with professionalism and pride, and my goal is to help them continue to do so in partnership with the people and organizations who make this city such a great place to live, work and play.”  

Multiple opportunities for public engagement have been built into the process of selecting the next police chief, including an online survey, community outreach and two upcoming candidate forums. The decision will be made with significant community input, as well as input from the Police Chief Selection Committee that was announced in December of 2015.

“Kathy Wuorinen is an excellent choice to lead the department through this time of transition,” said Chief Smith. “Throughout her career, she has served with integrity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the community. The Saint Paul Police Department will be in good hands.”

Commander Paul Iovino will be filling in for Assistant Chief Wuorinen as assistant chief of support services and administration.

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