BROOKINGS – The City of Brookings has named Michael Drake as its next police chief.
He will start on Aug. 22, pending final background checks, the city announced in a news release Wednesday.
Drake currently lives in Gardiner, New York, and has been with the New York State Police for the past 26 years and most recently as a major.
“I am extremely humbled to have been selected as the next police chief for the City of Brookings. It will be my honor to join such brave women and men of the police department and be part of an extraordinary group of dedicated city employees. My family and I are thrilled to be moving into a friendly community, and we look forward to meeting and working with our new neighbors,” Drake said in the release.
The City of Brookings hired Meliora to conduct the search for the chief, which included engagement of the police department and the community through a multifaceted experience.
“I am thankful for everyone who participated in the process and made their voices heard. We are thoroughly excited for Michael and his family to join the community. He will lead a department of employees who are dedicated to Brookings,” City Manager Paul Briseno said in the release.
“Throughout the search, the city received many qualified applicants from across the nation. The hiring committee focused on the city’s core, organization and community needs,” the new release says.
Briseno said the final salary for Drake is close to being completed, but the position has a salary range of $96,346 to $130,350.
The department has 37 sworn officers and 18 civilian personnel, including dispatchers and administrative assistants, Briseno said.
The first few months of Drake’s employment will be focused on establishing relationships and understanding the organization and community. His phone information is forthcoming, and his office location will be in the police department, the news release says.
