St. Paul Mayor Names Interim Police Chief

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Paul Police Department's assistant chief has been maned the interim chief by Mayor Chris Coleman.

Kathy Wuorinen will assume the role once current chief Tom Smith retires later this spring.

Wuorinen, who grew up in St. Paul, started working in law enforcement in 1985 as a deputy with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. She joined the St. Paul Police Department in 1988.

"I am honored to have been chosen to serve as interim chief while Mayor Coleman and the City of Saint Paul decide who will be the next permanent chief," she said.

Smith called Wuorinen an "excellent choice" to take over the role following his retirement.

"Throughout her career, she has served with integrity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the community," Smith said.