PROSSER, Wash. – Prosser Mayor Gary Vegar announced on Friday that the City of Prosser appointed Interim Police Chief John Markus as the new Chief of Police, according to a press release.
This announcement follows the Feb. 23 resignation of former Police Chief Jay King, who was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 11 for an investigation looking into allegations put forward by Prosser Police Department staff.
The City says Markus served in the Coast Guard for seven years before becoming a corrections officer at the Franklin County Corrections facility. He later became a police officer in the City of Wapato then began with PPD in April 1998.
“Selecting a Police Chief isn’t just about finding someone to enforce laws, it’s a decision about finding the right person for our community that puts honesty, integrity, and devotion to duty first and foremost,” said Vegar. “John is a servant leader that loves Prosser and brings trust and stability to department.”
Markus previously served as a Bike Patrol Officer, Sex Offender Registration Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, SWAT Officer, Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant and Interim Police Chief.
His Oath of Office ceremony is set for 7 p.m. on Tue., April 2 at 1002 Dudley Ave. A public meet-and-greet will be announced later.
