Lieutenant Greg Tinnirello named acting police chief

by Laura Straub

When Michael Kilbane retired as Independence Police Chief at the beginning of August, Mayor Greg Kurtz called upon Lieutenant Greg Tinnirello to serve as acting chief.

“Lt. Tinnirello is the highest-ranked officer and in charge of the patrol officers, or boots on the ground,” Kurtz said. “He joined the Independence Police Department in 1998 and has been a senior manager on the force for the past eleven years.”

Tinnirello has temporarily filled the role but Kurtz is seeking a permanent replacement for Kilbane.

“I am looking for a police chief who is a strategic, forward thinker with proven leadership, communication, budgeting and organizational skills,” said Kurtz. “He or she should have experience training, mentoring and managing a staff, collaborative problem-solving skills and experience building positive relationships within the department, other law enforcement agencies, city departments and the residential and business community.”

Kurtz added that he is looking for someone who understands modern law enforcement technology and practices, and is well versed in the current topics of concern facing the profession.

The ideal candidate would be involved with police organizations at the state and national levels, to ensure he or she is well educated and aware of effective and evolving police practices.

And of course, the next police chief must appreciate the community he or she serves.

“The ideal candidate will appreciate that Independence has a robust business community with all the amenities of a modern city and the charm of a small town,” Kurtz said. ∞