Gordon Ramsay Named New Wichita Police Chief

It’s the end of an era in Duluth. 

Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay announced in an emotional news conference Friday, that he is leaving the Duluth Police Department to be the top cop in a new city. 

“Today I accepted the Police Chief Position in Wichita,” said Ramsay. 

Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay says the decision to leave.. wasn’t one he took lightly.

“I’m in my tenth year as Chief here. This is my hometown right… so this is kind of tough,” said Ramsay. 

Ramsay will start his new position on January 28.. managing a nearly $82 million budget and supervising 836 employees in the state’s largest police department.

“My track record I think played a role in that.  They knew what they were going to get.  There’s no secrets.  You can’t be a chief for ten years and not have your personality, your passion, your vision and mission known to everybody,” said Ramsay. 

Ramsay has been instrumental in building stronger relationships through community policing.. something he hopes to continue in Wichita.

“The community seems very interested in working together. The community support is very strong and the staff really wants to work to get back closer with the community,” said Ramsay. 

Duluth Mayor Don Ness, who has worked side by side with Ramsay during his eight years as Mayor, reflected on Ramsay’s leadership through the 2012 flood, synthetic drug problem, and heroin epidemic.

“Gordon has been a real champion for our community and has led this department extraordinarily well,” said Mayor Ness. 

Ness says he is proud of Ramsay and what he accomplished for the city.

“It’s a sad day for our community. We’re losing an important leader.  Wichita is a fortunate city today because they’re getting one hell of a cop, but more importantly they’re getting a really fantastic person.”

Ramsay says he believes the Duluth Police Department is in a good place and will be left in good hands. 

Ramsay was one of 62 people to apply for the Wichita Chief’s Position. 

Meanwhile, there is no timeline on when someone will be appointed Interim Chief or on the search for a new Chief. 

Mayor Elect Emily Larson now has the job of filling the fire and Police Chief positions. 

Following Ramsay’s announcement, Larson issued a statement to Fox 21 saying “I am so happy for Gordon. He’s going to be so effective in Wichita.  In terms of us, it’s important that the hiring process have a lot of public input and be very transparent, and that the community feels they have everything they need in a Chief.”