New Lakewood Chief of Police Kevin Paletta

City Names New Police Chief

January 18, 2008 -- The Lakewood Police Department has a new Chief of Police. Kevin Paletta, a 27-year veteran of the department, has been promoted to fill the vacancy left by retiring chief Ron Burns. Paletta (48) was most recently the Division Chief of the Investigations Division.

Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Paletta graduated from Arizona State University in 1981 and began his career in Lakewood that same year. In addition he holds a Masters of Arts degree in Management from Regis University. Paletta has held line level, supervisory and leadership positions in all of the department's three divisions.

Paletta lead the Patrol Division during the transition to a community policing philosophy known as Sector Based Policing. He was the recipient of the Police Service Award resulting from his efforts as project manager for the Police Department's entire computer system upgrade.

As Paletta steps into the new role, he becomes the sixth Chief of Police in the department's history. Paletta's promotion also brings to 63 the total number of Police Chiefs that the nationally recognized and accredited department has generated.

"I am extremely proud of the men and women that I have the pleasure to work with at the Lakewood Police Department" said Paletta, "I look forward to continuing the excellent service and reputation that this department is known for."

Chief Paletta and his wife Carolyn have a daughter and two sons, the youngest of which is in high school.