Wasilla to bid farewell to police chief

Another chapter in the book of Wasilla civic history is about to come to a close. Don Savage, the city's third chief of police, announced his retirement last week after five-plus years on the job.

A position often taken for granted by those outside the workings of local government, the chief of police job is hardly a cake walk. Part administrator, part politician, police chiefs have job duties roughly akin to riding a unicycle on a tightrope - while juggling.

Always in the public eye, as the city's top cop the chief is tasked first and foremost with keeping the general peace and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. But as is the case with management positions in other lines of work, actual day-to-day, in-the-trenches police work is less and less the focus of the job.

Demands on time are many, and varied. Meetings and other administrative duties fill more of the day. The job requires organization, professionalism and an unflagging devotion to the city. But in the end, Savage was always up to the task.

Hired by former mayor Sarah Palin in 2001, he quickly proved himself to be well equipped to handle the duties of police chief. In a job that breeds critics nearly as easily as an elected post, Savage sparkled. His handling of criticism, the way he took it in stride - at least publicly - and remained unemotional and even respectful in the face of disagreement, is a rare, but important, quality in a public official.

Like a good administrator, Savage deflected credit for department accomplishments and advances during his tenure to others. But there is no denying that a good chunk of the credit belongs to him.

Under Savage, the department experienced much technological modernization. The dispatch center, in particular, saw upgrades that enhanced reporting of and response to crimes. Still to come as part of the technology upgrades are mobile computing units in each police cruiser.

Also of significance to residents, crime stats have remained relatively flat under Savage, despite the rampant growth and related increase in local traffic.

No stranger to retirements, Savage has been down this road before. He left the Alaska State Troopers after 27 years of service, before returning to active duty as Wasilla's police chief.

Despite appearing to be more serious about this retirement, Savage should not be expected to disappear completely. Public service, especially the long-term kind, is habit-forming. Savage says he will remain in the Valley and stay active in the community.

Along with his service as chief, this is something for which we should all be grateful.

We wish Chief Savage all the best as he begins this new phase of his life in early July.