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Posted on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 3:38 p.m.

Lt. Amy Walker to be Ypsilanti's next police chief

By Tom Perkins

Ypsilanti Police Lt. Amy Walker has been appointed as the department’s new chief.

City Manager Ed Koryzno made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, citing her experience and community involvement as a primary factor in the selection.

“She has risen through the ranks in the department and taken on ever-increasing responsibility,” Koryzno said.

Walker’s former position will not be filled. Interim Police Chief Paul DeRidder will return to his previous post as lieutenant, leaving only two lieutenants as the city considers $1.1 million in law enforcement cuts.

Koryzno said negotiations over Walker’s salary will begin in early January. He declined to speculate on what she will earn, but said the tight budget will influence the discussion.

“Obviously the budget impacts everything, so that will be one of the considerations,” he said.

Walker could not be reached for comment Wednesday. She started her career with the Eastern Michigan University Department of Public Safety in 1987 and was hired by the Ypsilanti Police Department in 1992.

She received a promotion to lieutenant in 2007, and has been extensively involved with community police and neighborhood watch groups.

Koryzno made the final decision between Walker and Lt. Craig Annas, who he called a quality candidate.

“Both were qualified and both brought strengths, but I chose her because I think she was a better fit,” Koryzno said.

The field was whittled down from six candidates, all of who were interviewed by police and citizen advisory committees.

Her appointment is effective Jan. 4.

The city has been without a police chief since the end of May, when former chief Matt Harshberger retired to become Pittsfield Township's public safety director.

Comments

Yapper

Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.

Peoples personal lives are just that personal! Chief Walker has served the City of Ypsilanti for a long time....Look at her accomplishments not her personal life. The person who wants to destroy her is the same person who's personal life should be looked into for some personal help. Move on.............

BBBears

Fri, Dec 25, 2009 : 11:52 p.m.

Looking forward to the "morale boost" Chief Walker will bring to YPD. Thank you Ed Koryzo for realizing Amy Walker is the change the Dept. has needed for a long time. Congratulations Chief Walker!

umpopo152

Thu, Dec 24, 2009 : 4:15 p.m.

Great pick...congratulations Amy!

Captain Magnificent

Thu, Dec 24, 2009 : 1:58 a.m.

Amy sure is a funny name for a dude.

Judy R

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 9:05 p.m.

Great choice by the city. I'm looking forward to positive changes. Congratulations Amy!

I_love_ann_arbor

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 8:08 p.m.

Congratulations, Chief Walker. Ypsilanti definitely needed a change.

reddog801

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 7:59 p.m.

Finally Ypsilanti City uses their heads....now if they will just let her change YPD for the better.....

Margaret

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 7:58 p.m.

Way to go Amy, great choice by the city...thumbs up!!

annarbor

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 6:18 p.m.

What a great Christmas gift for Chief Walker and the city of Ypsilanti. Congrats, Chief!

fireyfd

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 6:07 p.m.

Congratulations Lt. (Chief) Walker... Great decision by the City...

Theresa Taylor

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 5:28 p.m.

Congratulations to Lt. Amy Walker!!

A2GIRL2

Wed, Dec 23, 2009 : 4:42 p.m.

Congrats and I think the city made the right choice. Time for a change in Ypsilanti!