Jan 4, 2016 2 min read

The first half of 2013 was a tumultuous time for the Washington Police Department.

Tension between police union representatives and Mayor Brenda Davis became evident after John Hritz, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 95, asked City Council to remove Davis as the department’s head.

Turnover at the top also contributed to instability that year.

Robert M. Lemons resigned as chief in January, followed by Robert Wilson and Dan Stanek, who both served as acting chief for a short time.

In May 2013, Chris Luppino helped stabilize the department by taking over as chief, a position he held until Monday, when Wilson was appointed as the department’s leader.

“I needed to make a change,” said newly sworn-in Mayor Scott Putnam. “Chris (Luppino) did an admirable job. I felt it was time to make a change in the police department.”

Putnam administered the oath of office to Wilson during the city’s reorganization meeting.

“I’m humbled and honored,” said Wilson before the ceremony. “I look forward to working with mayor and council.”

Luppino said he was still processing the change and would miss the job. He returns to his pre-chief duties as a sergeant.

“I enjoy being a police officer,” he said. “I’m going back to what my first love was.”

Wilson, who previously worked as captain and who has been with the department for more than 28 years, is well-equipped for overseeing the department’s 31 officers, said Luppino.

“He has plenty of experience running daily operations,” Luppino said. “I wish the new administration well. I think he’ll do a great job.”