SPD shakeup: Southwest Precinct commander Kessler to become assistant chief

3:19 PM: Changes continue at the top in Seattle Police – and now there’s a West Seattle ripple effect: This afternoon multiple sources confirm to WSB that Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler is becoming an assistant chief. Just yesterday, he told us about the promotion of his second-in-command, Pierre Davis, to captain. This follows Mayor Ed Murray‘s recent announcement of Harry Bailey as interim chief, with previous interim chief Jim Pugel returning to assistant chief, a rank from which three men have recently or are about to have departed. No other details yet about exactly what this means for West Seattle police leadership, but we expect to find out more during next Tuesday’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting at the precinct, if not sooner. Kessler worked in the downtown administration before returning to lead the local precinct one year ago.

ADDED 7:02 PM: Capt. Davis confirms that he “will be commanding this precinct until other decisions are made.” And Assistant Chief Kessler’s promotion, among others, is now officially mentioned on SPD Blotter.

ADDED 10:29 PM: A farewell note from Kessler:

As I prepare to move once again from the Southwest Precinct, I would like to take a minute to thank all of you for allowing me to come back “home” again last year. After spending two and a half years as your Precinct Commander prior to my departure in 2010, it was my great pleasure to have the opportunity to come back to the Southwest Precinct and again serve this community.

The men and women of your Precinct bring a high level of professionalism and pride to their work.

It is only through your support and working together that creates the great environment that allows our officers to provide the quality of service you have come to expect. I have appreciated the hard work of you and our community leaders who have developed strong working relationships with our officers to make this community safe.

Again, it has been a pleasure to serve your community and thank you for your support and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

A/Chief Joe Kessler
Southwest Precinct

West Seattle Hipster January 15, 2014 (4:19 pm)

Congratulations!

Hope the changes continue.

WTF January 15, 2014 (6:32 pm)

Have to give it to Ed. He said he would make changes, and quickly, and he stuck to his word. Good on him.

Congrats to those advancing in their careers and service. Here’s to hoping these changes will bring about positive results for the city. And, more importantly negative results for the criminals.

star 55 January 15, 2014 (7:00 pm)

Good move for Kessler and Davis!!

West Seattle since 1979 January 15, 2014 (7:01 pm)

Congratulations! Hopefully the new people will make a difference.

Kim January 15, 2014 (7:04 pm)

Congrats Joe! Well deserved!

G January 15, 2014 (7:39 pm)

Shuffling of personnel. Smiling, beaming faces and all that. It will be business as usual. By the way, the short-lived police presence at 3rd & Pike? Well, it was short-lived.