Lieutenant Elias Diaz is the new Rapid City Chief of Police. Mayor Sam Kooiker announced the appointment on Monday. Kooiker says a five member panel narrowed 26 applications to the top three. He says one clear applicant stood out throughout the process. Kooiker says Diaz has a solid track record, diverse experience, and the vision necessary to lead the department. Elias Diaz has several goals and he says public safety is crucial.
“Rapid City is a growing and vibrant community, and it’s exciting to be here at this time and this city but we need to be able to match that growth with commensurate attention from our law enforcement resources and our community resources, and I am committed to that. Each time I hear on the police radio of a car versus pedestrian or car versus bicycle or a serious injury accident something in me comes alive that we need to devote ourselves to public safety,” says Diaz.
Diaz started with the Rapid City Police Department in 1998 and served as a Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, Detective and Patrol Sergeant. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and before joining the department taught Spanish and English at National American University.
Diaz will take on his responsibilities as Chief of Police June 16th following confirmation from the City Council. Diaz will replace retiree Chief Steve Allender.