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The Toledo Police Department’s new chief is a familiar face to both the police department and the Toledo community.
Former sergeant Sam Patrick, who has been with the Toledo Police for the last 12 years, was appointed to the position on Oct. 1 to replace John Brockmueller, who left the department to serve as Napavine’s chief of police.
Patrick told The Chronicle he will seek to continue building upon the strong foundation Brockmueller built for the department.
When asked if he had a message to the Toledo community as he steps into his new role, Patrick said, “I appreciate the community’s support over the last 12 years and I want to make sure it's safe.”
After Brockmueller announced in September that he would be moving to Napavine starting Oct. 1, Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh recommended Patrick as a candidate to take over as Toledo chief of police.
“Sam is very dependable,” Dobosh said.
The Toledo City Council approved Dobosh’s recommendation and Patrick was officially sworn in on Oct. 1, with Brockmueller and Sheriff Rob Snaza pinning on his badge and stars.
Prior to working in Toledo, Patrick spent over a decade in the Winlock Police Department and previously worked in both Tenino and Yelm police departments. Before that, he worked as a police officer in Briskmay, Alaska, was a member of the military police and had a 17-year career in the fire service.
When asked why he came to Toledo, he said, “when the housing market crashed, I was out of work. John (Brockmueller) offered me a job and I’ve been here ever since.”
In addition to his duties as a police officer, Patrick is a part-time instructor at the police academy, a certified collision tech and a certified fire investigator.
With Patrick serving in a new role, the Toledo Police Department is looking to hire a new full time police officer. Contact the department at 360-740-1105 for more information.
