John Camper Named Chief of Police

City Manager Laurie Kadrich announced the City of Grand Junction has appointed Interim Chief John Camper to the position of Chief of the Grand Junction Police Department.  Chief Camper, who has served as Interim Police Chief since August 31, 2009, will undertake the duties of the position February 7, 2010.  He competed for the position with four other finalists.  

Camper, who is a graduate of Grand Junction’s Central High School, served as a member of the Lakewood, CO Police Department since 1981. He moved up through the ranks and was appointed Division Chief in 2007.  Chief Camper holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police.

City Manager Laurie Kadrich states, “John is a great police chief, as evidenced in a variety of ways during the last five months.  He has come to love this community and his desire to serve the citizens of Grand Junction is clear.  John’s strong leadership skills and overall approachable nature made him the obvious choice.  I am very pleased John has agreed to join our organization and lead our Police Department.” 

Chief Camper adds, “I am extremely excited to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to many great things ahead.  The dedicated men and women of this Police Department are really what cemented my interest in becoming Grand Junction’s Chief of Police.  I have been impressed from day one by the commitment these professionals have to serving Grand Junction and I am proud to be a part of this team.”   

Updated Monday, February 22, 2010