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New Port Richey gets its first deputy chief of police

 
Published Nov. 26, 2014

NEW PORT RICHEY — There is a new deputy chief in town.

At a City Council meeting last week, City Manager Debbie Manns and police Chief Kim Bogart praised Lt. Robert Close while introducing him as the city's first deputy chief. Also, Manns announced the nomination of Bogart as acting city manager when she is absent.

The creation of a new position of deputy chief with the New Port Richey Police Department paved the way for the promotion of Close, 47, who began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer in the city in 1995. Close then rose through the ranks to patrol corporal in 2007 and to patrol sergeant a year later.

In presenting Close to the council, Bogart pointed to health issues he had last year that caused him to miss work. He said during that time, Close was invaluable in keeping the Police Department running. Bogart told the Times that Close's knowledge of New Port Richey, having spent his entire career on the city force, will be an asset.

"He's just a really good person. Totally reliable," Bogart said.

Close told the council he was glad to have the new opportunity.

"I'm very excited to serve the city at a higher level," he said.

Robert Napper, Times Correspondent