Huff is mayor’s choice as Nampa Police chief

Mayor Bob Henry said he’s recommending Lt. Joe Huff to be Nampa’s next police chief.

Huff, 43, has 22 years in law enforcement at NPD, plus an additional seven years in volunteer police work including the position of reserve officer. Huff has been a lieutenant since 2009.

“I am humbled for the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Police for the Nampa Police Department,” Huff said in a Monday statement. “I am excited to be able to continue working with the great group of men and women of this agency. As I settle into my new role, I look forward to continuing to build on the platform that is currently in place while also bringing in new ideas and programs.”

“I’m excited to appoint Joe as the next chief,” Henry said. “I believe Joe will bring a lot of energy for the police department and community.”

Henry said he will ask the Nampa City Council to approve his recommendation at its next meeting, Monday Dec. 21. Huff’s appointment would be effective immediately.

Current Chief Craig Kingsbury announced in November that he would be taking the police chief’s job in Twin Falls. His last day in Nampa is Thursday.

Deputy Chief Brad Daniels and Lt. Joe Ramirez also applied for the top job in the Nampa Police Department.

Henry said all three applicants were qualified and presented themselves well in the interviews that were held Thursday. Nampa Councilman Bruce Skaug and Human Resources Director Tina Combs joined Henry on the selection committee. The committee also reviewed comments from departmental employees concerning the three men.

“The message was clear: The department needed change, and I believe Joe Huff is the person who can lead the charge,” Henry said.

The selection committee considered education, experience, professional knowledge, leadership, communications skills, community focus, conflict management, decision making and critical thinking.

“It came down to leadership, communication and really developing a vision for the police and the community.” Combs said.

“In the interview for police chief I was most impressed with Lt. Huff’s immediate plans for the department,” Skaug said. “I believe he will release the full potential of our police for fighting crime.”

Huff said he looks forward to working with other Treasure Valley law enforcements leaders.

“A priority of mine is to implement programs that aggressively pursue criminals who want to disrupt this community by committing illegal acts. We will increase our efforts in the areas of repeat offenders and gang crime,” Huff said.

“The Nampa Police Department understands that we are an extension of the community we serve. We also know that we must always continue to build your trust by being transparent,” Huff said. “I want to continue to make Nampa a safe and healthy community that we call home. I want to thank Mayor Henry for his faith in me to lead the Nampa Police Department.”

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Huff is mayor’s choice as Nampa Police chief."