Winchester Police Chief, Kevin Sanzenbacher, has announced his retirement effective April 30, 2017. The City will soon begin a national search and will hold public input meetings to solicit feedback about the characteristics the community wants in its next police chief.
Chief Sanzenbacher began his service with the City of Winchester in November 2008 after serving in various public safety leadership positions in Maryland with the last as Director of Investigative Programs in Montgomery County.
“Kevin has had a productive tenure in Winchester and has made great strides to enhance the Police Department’s relationship with the community,” said Eden Freeman, Winchester City Manager. “During his time with the City, Kevin has been a true professional while leading the region’s fight against substance abuse and improving relations with Winchester’s youth population.”
Winchester Police Department (WPD) accomplishments and projects completed during Chief Sanzenbacher’s tenure:
- Assisted with the creation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition and the Regional Drug Court in partnership with Valley Health and multiple community partners, including Frederick and Clarke Counties
- Implemented a Teen Night at the Youth Development Center
- Began a partnership with the area’s NAACP in an effort to improve WPD’s relationship with the minority community
- Assisted with the creation of the Regional Drug Court
- Obtained a grant for the purchase of body-worn cameras
- Achieved Virginia accreditation in 2009 and re-accreditation for the first time in 2013
- Installed a Drug Take Back collection unit outside the Timbrook Public Safety Center
- Formed the first WPD Honor Guard in 2014
- Created the Winchester/Frederick County Law Enforcement Foundation
- Implemented a standardized fitness testing program for sworn officers and 100% were declared “fit for duty”
- Created the City’s award-winning Community Response Team with several other City departments
- Created a defensive tactics training room and fitness room with the help of a grant
- Implemented a Teen Citizen’s Academy
“Serving the citizens of Winchester has been the highlight of my career and I am thankful for the support the community has shown the Winchester Police Department,” Chief Kevin Sanzenbacher said. “While my family and I enjoyed our time in Winchester, we are looking forward to this next chapter in our lives.”