Chief Darr Kirk

Chief Kirk is a 26-year veteran of the Kelso Police Department (KPD) and began his law enforcement career in Kelso in 1993.  Kirk has served in nearly every functional law enforcement role in the department including patrol officer, detective for the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force, Kelso High School Resource Officer and patrol sergeant.  For the past ten years, he has held the position of KPD Captain, and served as a SWAT Commander and unarmed force instructor.  He was named Interim Police Chief in April upon the retirement of Chief Andrew Hamilton.

Chief Kirk has an extensive record of community involvement through his leadership on numerous committees and as a youth sports coach for twelve years.  He was appointed to a vacant director position on the Kelso School Board in January 2019.  Kirk is a 1987 Camas High School Graduate and attended Clark Community College in Vancouver for one year.  He subsequently attended Washington State University and graduated in 1992 with a degree in Criminal Justice. 

Chief Kirk considers it an honor to serve the Kelso Police Department professionals and the Kelso Community.