Joe Strong promoted to Hoquiam Deputy Chief of Police

Joe Strong, a 24-year veteran of the Hoquiam Police Department, has been promoted to Deputy Chief, according to a statement from Chief Jeff Myers.

Strong grew up in the North Beach area and followed in the footsteps of his father, Sidney Strong, who was also a Hoquiam police officer.

Strong, who was promoted April 1, takes the place of previous Deputy Chief Don Wertanen, who retired March 31.

Strong has served for more than five years as the Hoquiam Detective Sergeant assigned as the supervisor of the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force.

“Strong was recognized last year as The Daily World Police Officer of the Year for his work in combating illegal drug activity in our region, to include supervising the Green Jade investigation,” said Myers. In that operation, the task force shut down numerous illegal marijuana growing operations, run by Chinese drug trafficking organizations, located all over the county.

Strong is currently in the process of transitioning from the Drug Task Force into his administrative duties as Deputy Chief.

“There is no doubt his experience on the task force will provide valuable expertise in supporting (the Hoquiam Police Department’s) Focus Point No. 1: Targeting drug dealers and drug locations,” said Myers.

Blundred promoted to Patrol Sergeant

Strong’s promotion opened up a patrol sergeant position, and Myers said Officer David Blundred was promoted to that position April 1.

Blundred “has been with the Hoquiam Police Department for over nine years. During this time, he has been a patrol officer, detective, officer-in-charge, acting sergeant, hostage negotiator and defensive tactics instructor,” said Myers.

Blundred grew up in Hoquiam and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Martin’s University. He started his career in juvenile and state corrections, with a total of more than 17 years of law enforcement service.

Blundred “has always been very proactive on the street and as a detective; he has consistently demonstrated himself to be an effective leader, even well before he was promoted,” said Myers. Blundred will be taking over Sgt. Jeremy Mitchell’s patrol squad as Mitchell rotates into his role as the next detective sergeant.

“I am very proud of the excellent work both of these professionals have done for our department and our community; I have no doubt this will continue as they transition into their new duties,” said Myers.