Medina has hired Mark Thomas as its new chief of police. This decision follows an interview process coordinated by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. The process included a community public forum Aug. 8 where members of the community were able to meet and interact with five finalists as well as interviews by a community group, police department personnel, and department heads.

Thomas has 26 years of law enforcement experience with the Washington State Patrol (WSP). He has been the WSP Homeland Security Division Commander for the last five years with responsibilities that include security and law enforcement services for Washington State Ferries, the WSP Interagency Bomb Squad, the WSP Canine Training Unit, and emergency management functions within the State Patrol.

Prior to 2007, Thomas was a District Commander and managed field operations for the WSP in a seven-county region that includes the Olympic Peninsula and Washington’s Pacific Coast. His duties included representing the WSP with the criminal justice community, elected officials, and community groups.

Thomas has a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration from Central Washington University and a Master’s Degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.

He will take over as Chief of the department with nine  commissioned police officers, including the chief, on Oct. 17. Lieutenant Dan Yourkoski has been acting chief since December 2010.

“Mark has an excellent mix of education, experience, and professionalism. He will be great fit for both the community and the staff,” Medina City Manager Donna Hanson said.