Chris Russ, Commander
Born in Seoul, Korea, he is the eldest of three siblings. Chris’s wife, Kathy, is a supervisor in the Communications Center. Their blended family totals 7 children: Tricia, Tiffany, Cammie, Christopher, Ashley, Katie and Davis and 6 grandchildren Mike, Alyssa, Katelyn, Pearson, Cade and Robert. He began his career in Northern California with the Lincoln Police Department in 1982 as a reserve police officer and dispatcher. During his 10 years with Lincoln, he served as the Administrative Sergeant under the Chief and managed daily operations of the organization in the absence of the Chief for over one year. In addition to serving as the Chief’s second in command, he was the department’s Public Information Officer, lead child abuse/sexual assault investigator and served as a liaison to the District Attorney’s Office. In collaboration with the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Children Services and law enforcement agencies, he assisted with developing a Child Death Review Board to review child death investigations. Chris worked closely with the Placer County Women’s Center, Placer County District Attorney’s Office and the local hospital to establish a countywide sexual assault investigation protocol. Before leaving Lincoln, he agreed to assist with the selection of the Chief of Police and delayed his pursuit to relocate to Southern California to ensure a smooth transition. After fulfilling his commitment, he relocated to Southern California and lateralled to Pasadena Police Department in 1993 as an officer. In 2002 and 2003 Chris assisted the Macedonia National Police with development and implementation of Community Policing strategies. In 2003 he promoted to corporal and transferred from the Neighborhood Action Team to the Field Training Program. In 2004 he promoted to sergeant. His assignments consisted of patrol, Field Training Program, Chief’s Adjutant and the Professional Standards Unit. In 2009 he promoted to lieutenant and returned to his roots in patrol as a Watch Commander. He was promoted to Police Commander in August 2011 and assigned to oversee the Field Operations Division, which includes the Patrol, Community Services, Homeless Outreach and Psychiatric Evaluation Unit, K-9 Unit and Park Safety Specialists. Chris graduated with his BSBA in Criminal Justice in May 2010 from TUI and his Masters in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University in August 2012. Chris is an outdoor enthusiast. A former bicycle racer, and enjoys extreme kayaking, competitive surf kayaking, camping with the family and recently took up the sport of kite-surfing. His favorite pastime is dating his wife, Kathy.