Jamey McDonald appointed Tigard Police Chief

Tigard City Manager Steve Rymer (left), newly appointed Police Chief Jamey McDonald and Mayor Heidi Lueb participate in a swearing-in ceremony in January 2024. (Courtesy of Tigard Police Department)

PORTLAND, Oregon (COIN) — The city of Tigard has a new police chief.

City Manager Steve Rymer appointed Jamey McDonald as Tigard’s new police chief. He is currently serving as interim police chief.

McDonald joined the Tigard Police Department in 2001. Officials say he is Tigard’s first police chief, rising internally from patrol officer to chief of the police department.

“I consider it an honor and privilege to continue to serve Tigard as your police chief,” McDonald said in a statement. “This is not a role I take lightly, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with this position. As your chief, I will continue to prioritize transparency, commitment and professionalism at all levels of our department to best meet the needs of our growing community.”

Rymer said McDonald’s appointment comes after he demonstrated an impressive track record of “leadership and proactive action” as interim chief.

“He is a proven leader for our police department and the entire Tigard team,” Rymer said.

After being promoted to sergeant in 2010, lieutenant in 2014 and commander in 2016, McDonald was appointed interim chief earlier this year following the retirement of former chief Kathy McAlpine.