PULLMAN – Pullman native Bill Gardner has been named Chief of Police for WSU.
Gardner, who grew up on College Hill in Pullman and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WSU, brings 14 years of varied law enforcement experience to his new post, including past law enforcement service with both WSU and the City of Pullman.
The selection of Gardner as the university’s senior law enforcement official was announced today by Richard Heath, WSU senior associate vice president for business and finance, based on the recommendation of a search committee chaired by Ken Vreeland, WSU’s special assistant to the provost and executive vice president.
Gardner met with students, faculty, staff and community members at a public forum on March 28.
“I believe Bill Gardner brings a rare blend of law enforcement expertise and local community awareness to this position,” Heath said. “I am extremely pleased that he will be returning to WSU as our new chief of police.”
Gardner has also taught in the public school system and as an adjunct faculty member with Utah Valley State College. He served as an officer with the WSU Police Department from 1990 to 1993, and then with the Pullman Police Department until 2004, until left to take a position with the consulting firm Priority Systems.