A veteran law enforcement official with experience leading municipal and state police staff will be the temporary leader of the West Richland Police Department.

The department and city officials announced Steven Crown’s appointment as interim police chief on March 6. He will take on daily duties for the department as outgoing chief Thomas Grego takes planned leave prior to his retirement on June 1.

“We are excited to have Chief Crown lead our police department during this transition,” said Mayor Brent Gerry in a statement. “His experience and dedication to public safety will provide stability and strong leadership while we conduct our search for a permanent chief of police.”

Crown has worked in law enforcement for 33 years, starting in the Wenatchee Police Department and serving in various roles including gang specialist, detective, field training officer and bicycle patrol instructor.