Promotions among new Medford Police Chief's top priorities

Medford, Ore. — The city of Medford has a new top cop, and today, marks the start of his first official week on the job. Chief Randy Sparacino was appointed unanimously by the Medford City Council Thursday, and tonight we’re getting a first look at some of his top priorities for the department.

A career 26 years in the making culminated in one night for Medford’s newest Chief of Police, Randy Sparacino.

“I think last night was the first full nights sleep I’ve gotten since Thursday,” Chief Randy Sparacino says.

Although it hasn’t fully set in yet, the new chief says he’s ready to get to work.

“The initial priority is promotions,” Chief Sparacino says, “we have a lot of openings right now as a result of the selection so we have a couple lieutenants openings and a couple of sergeants openings, and a deputy chief’s opening.”

Sparacino says the Deputy Chief role will be filled by one of 3 internal candidates, Lieutenants Mike Budreau, Scott Clauson, or Kevin Walruff. The chief says for all the open positions, it’s about finding the right fit.

“Honesty, integrity, a similar leadership style as mine,” Chief Sparacino adds, “but who’s not afraid to say ‘that’s a bad idea.'”

Above all, Sparacino says he wants to be an accessible and transparent chief, who works to make Medford the best place to live, work, and play.

Chief Sparacino says he wants to make the department as efficient as possible, and also wants to address the growing issue of car thefts with more community action or special patrols.