STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-May 26, 2021-After six years at the helm of the Steamboat Springs Police Department, Police Chief Cory Christensen has announced his retirement from the City of Steamboat Springs and the department effective September 4, 2021.
“Being the police chief in Steamboat Springs has been the highlight of my 32-year career in law enforcement,” said Christensen. “It has been a privilege to work beside the men and women of the police department as we provided professional law enforcement services to our community.”
While SSPD Chief, he oversaw a rebranding of the department to better represent the commitment to the community; implemented state-of-the-art cameras for all patrol vehicles and body cameras; increased the diversity (ethnicity and gender) and overall staffing above national standards, and initiated a Peer Support Team, Public Safety EAP program and Mind Spring co-responder program.
In addition, Christensen reenergized and successfully completed the selection of a building site, design and construction of a new police facility. The Combined Law Enforcement Facility is one of a kind and produced collaboration between the SSPD and Routt County Sheriff’s Office.
Outside the department, he served as a board member for Advocates of Routt County for four years, was appointed to the Police Officer Standards and Training Board (POST) for four years, was selected president of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and was a proud member of the Steamboat Springs Rotary
“I want to thank Cory for all he has done for our city, community and Colorado,” commented City Manager Gary Suiter. “His dedication and commitment to the Yampa Valley is greatly appreciated and I wish him and Marnie well on their retirement adventures ahead.”
With more than 26 years of law enforcement experience before joining SSPD, Christensen was selected after a lengthy process with nearly 100 applications and five finalists for the chief position in October 2015. Prior to SSPD, he served in various roles with the Ft Collins Police Department.
The city anticipates conducting a search to fill the position in the coming months.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Gary Suiter, City Manager, 970.879.2060 or email
Wendy Kuhlman, Human Resources Manager, 970.879.2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email