Wrangell officer takes job in Hoonah as chief of police

Rick Groshong has been a part of the Wrangell Police Department for 22 years, according to his resume, having joined the force in 1996. As senior patrol officer, Groshong has been responsible for training new officers, responding to calls, collaborating with other law enforcement and government agencies, and finding procedures to deter illegal drug use. His time in Wrangell is coming to an end, however, as he has accepted a new position as the director of public safety and chief of police in the city of Hoonah, Alaska.

"There were quite a few police chief jobs throughout the state," he said. "I went to the academy with the lieutenant that's in there right now. I was kind of talking back and forth with him and I decided to apply."

Groshong added that the decision was brought about as his son, the youngest of three, recently graduated from Wrangell High School.

Before coming to Wrangell, he served as chief of police in the city of St. Mary's for three years. In 2011, he added, he took some vacation time and served as interim police chief in Galena for a month and a half.

In his new position, Groshong will oversee the police department, fire department, and EMS service. He said that the job will not be easy, but he has a great staff to help him in his new job.

"There's going to be a lot more challenges, which is what I'm looking for," he said. "Settling in and getting to know Hoonah and the people is my first priority."

Besides working in Wrangell and raising a family in town, Groshong has been a part of the community in several other ways. He said that he served on the Wrangell School Board for 12 years, and in 2012 was named Citizen of the Year. He said he has enjoyed his time in Wrangell.

"I really love Wrangell," he said. "It's going to be sad, but it's time to do something different."

The official start date for Groshong's new job is August 23.