Longtime Golden Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick will retire after 32 years of service to the city, including 20 years as chief.
On Feb. 17, a news release from the city said the chief would step down, effective March 16, and appoint Deputy Chief of Police Joe Harvey as his replacement.
Kilpatrick spent 10 years as a police officer in Englewood, Colorado, before joining the City of Golden in 1989 and led the department through one of the most significant periods of growth in city history.
“The City of Golden is a safer and stronger place because of Chief Bill Kilpatrick’s leadership and years of service to the Golden Police Department,” said Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg. “We thank Chief Kilpatrick for his leadership and wish him the best in his retirement.”
“I’ve been honored to serve alongside Deputy Chief Harvey, and he’s earned the trust of our department, our City Council, and other city leaders. Deputy Chief Harvey will carry forward the progress of the Golden Police Department with a steady hand and a clear vision,” Kilpatrick said.
Deputy Chief Harvey has more than 34 years of law enforcement experience. He joined the Golden Police Department in 2015 and has served as Deputy Chief since 2018.
“To the members of the Golden Police Department: there is no finer police department anywhere in this country,” said Kilpatrick in a press statement. “The dedication, commitment, compassion, passion, professionalism and resiliency that you demonstrate daily is awe-inspiring. Any accomplishments this organization has achieved is a direct result of your ceaseless efforts. You have my eternal admiration and respect. Residents of Golden, thank you so much for your enduring confidence in the women and men of the Golden Police Department. They work ever so diligently to keep you, your family, and this community safe.”
“Chief Kilpatrick, through dedication to this community, has built a police department in Golden that is committed to professionalism and service,” said City Manager Jason T. Slowinski. “Deputy Chief Joe Harvey’s experience and leadership will continue that tradition as he steps into his new role as Golden’s Chief of Police.”