Council OKs Chronister for police chief position

Department veteran promoted after 7-month interim stint

Kristi Jourdan/ViewNewly appointed North Las Vegas Police Chief Joseph Chronister hugs his son Justin after the City Council unanimously approved his promotion Jan. 19. Chronister has been with the department since 1989. Advertisement

There's a new police chief in town.

Sort of.

The North Las Vegas City Council unanimously approved a promotion for Joseph Chronister from acting to permanent police chief at its Jan. 19 regular meeting.

Chronister, 47, who has been acting police chief since June, choked back tears as he addressed the council.

"It's a humbling experience," he said.

"I truly look forward to leading the exceptional men and women of our department against all challenges, making this community as safe as possible and securing the trust of our citizens."

Chronister has been with the North Las Vegas Police Department since September 1989. He worked his way through the ranks from officer to assistant chief before assuming his new role as chief. The Tucson, Ariz., native also is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

He replaces Joseph Forti, who took an executive buyout package of $215,572 last year to save the financially strapped city $2.4 million in fiscal year 2011.

Chronister's salary will be $166,954.

"It's kind of bittersweet because where I stand now, it's the beginning of the end," Chronister said. "From here is only out. I love what I do, and I love where I do it. That's the bittersweet of the system."

Acting City Manager Maryann Ustick named Chronister acting police chief to replace Forti.

"He has ensured that vital police services are provided to our community," Ustick said. "He has been a leader in this police department for many, many years. He is the right person for this position."

Mayor Shari Buck asked Chronister to continue teaching younger officers trust, honor and loyalty.

"I would ask you to continue that legacy of former chiefs before you who have done such a great job," Buck said.

"Don't be a chief, like we've unfortunately had in the past, who stays in the office. Go to the briefing meetings so the young guys and gals can see their leader -- you know, see you."

Mayor Pro Tem William Robinson told Chronister to be just and fair as he has been throughout his career.

"In spite of what most people believe, you have the most powerful position in the city," Robinson said. "Just be firm and fair, and you'll do fine as always."

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

The City Council also heard from John Restrepo, of Restrepo Consulting Group, about the city's economic status. The economist said the city, along with the state, will have a "Nike swoosh" rebound over time rather than a "V-shape."

"The economy of Southern Nevada is stabilizing," Restrepo said. "It might not be at the level we want to see at pre-recession levels ... We've reached a plateau. It's going to take a few years to get through this. There are indications that we're slowly moving out of this economy."

Restrepo added that he's "sensing a bit of optimism in the business community."

"It's about realism, a fundamental component (of the economy)," he said. "It's not about some rushing exuberance or cheerleading or some of the other things we've been doing for many years. We're going through some trying times, but we'll get through this as long as we know what's ahead of us and where we're going."

Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@viewnews.com or 383-0492.