Acting police chief will keep job full time

Greg Harman

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000 | 10:41 a.m.

Boulder City won't hold a national search to find a new police chief, a position vacated by David Mullin in July.

After 14 years on the force and only two months as acting police chief, William Turk has been named Boulder City's new chief of police.

City Manager John Sullard announced Turk's promotion at a staff meeting Monday.

"In the past two months it has become obvious that acting police chief Turk is well qualified for the position and possesses the leadership qualities that the department needs," Sullard said. "Deep down I thought, 'Who am I going to get that's better than him right now?' "

Mullin's resignation followed a survey of Boulder City police officers that identified significant morale problems that seemed to hinge on complaints that Mullin was not responding to officers' concerns.

Sullard said he gave Mullin 90 days to "clean up" the problems before Mullin resigned unexpectedly in July.

"My overall goal was to get morale up," Sullard said. Turk seems to have the support of the force and good leadership abilities, he added.

Turk worked for the Oklahoma City Police Department for 10 years before joining the force in Boulder City.

He said he has found small-town law enforcement in Boulder City more rewarding.

"You get a sense that you have more impact in a small town and people seem to appreciate your work," he said.

Turk has served as a patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, narcotics officer and a narcotics sergeant during his time in Boulder City.

Greg Harman

covers Henderson and Boulder City for the Sun. He can be reached at (702) 259-8814 or by e-mail at harman@lasvegassun.com.(TM)