Community Government Police & Fire

Gig Harbor police chief Busey announces retirement

Gig Harbor Police Chief Kelly Busey will retire on June 23, the city announced Thursday, March 27.

Busey, 60, joined the force as an entry-level officer in 1991 and worked his way up to chief in 2014.

“The city has treated me very fairly, graciously,” Busey said Thursday morning. “I had a series of opportunities.”

Police officers can retire with their full pension at 53 years old, but Busey had a couple boxes he wanted to check first. One was to enhance the department’s structure by hiring a second lieutenant. Tray Federici was promoted to the new position in January.

Gig Harbor Police Chief Kelly Busey

“We’re getting large enough and busy enough we were putting too much on a certain position,” he said. “It will make our department run much more smoothly and efficiently.”

No. 2, Busey sought to achieve state accreditation. The department will complete the 18-month process in May.

“I can walk away knowing the police department is in the best shape I can leave it,” he said. “The public can have a lot of confidence in our department. It’s a nice way to turn it over to someone.”

Busey built the department up to 23 commissioned officers and three administrative staff members. He is hiring three more officers to reach the 26 for which the city has budgeted.

Best possible service philosophy

Busey imparted in the department a philosophy to deliver the best possible safety and service to the community.

“There’s no need to take enforcement action if education or cooperation works,” he said. “The whole department has tried to instill a customer service approach, and I think it’s worked very well with the residents and businesses.”

Mayor Mary Barber stated in a city press release that Busey’s approach has provided steadfast service and commitment to the safety of residents.

“His leadership has strengthened our police department and built lasting trust within the community,” she said. “We are grateful for his years of dedication and wish him the best in his retirement.”

Busey joined the department after a tour in the Coast Guard that included law enforcement duties, and a year as a yacht broker.

Made his mark

“I just thought I needed to do something that makes a bit of a mark in the world,” he said, “where I could look back on my life and think I contributed something.”

The city’s press release stated Busey’s expertise in investigations, marine services operations and communications have played a key role in the department’s operations. His leadership, operational planning, management, technical writing and crisis communications have been invaluable, it added.

“Chief Busey’s commitment to public safety and community engagement have been truly inspiring,” said City Administrator Katrina Knutson. “His leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication to Gig Harbor will be greatly missed. We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

Busey said he has yet to reflect on highlights of his career, but that, “There were many good and challenging moments along the way.”

Thanks wife, mentors

Busey thanked wife Shawna for her support, including the many phone calls, texts and incident responses at all hours.

“I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given along the way,” he said. “I appreciate the chiefs that mentored me. It’s been a long and sometimes challenging road, but with an unbelievably supportive community and city. I love Gig Harbor. I truly love Gig Harbor. It’s a special place.”

The city will host a retirement reception in Busey’s honor near the end of June, it said. The city will announce the date and details soon.