Harvard approves Krause as next police chief

HARVARD – The city has decided to pull its next police chief from within the department, selecting Deputy Chief Mark Krause for the position Tuesday night.

The 19-year veteran of the force will officially take over as chief this summer. His promotion to replace retiring Chief Dan Kazy-Garey was recommended by Mayor Jay Nolan and unanimously approved by the city council.

"Mark has been the deputy chief for three years," City Administrator Dave Nelson said. "He's been groomed for this position."

Nelson said the city has been happy with the department and found no reason to seek an outside candidate.

"He brings a wealth of knowledge to an institution that, at the moment, we're not interested in changing," Nelson said. "We think the culture of the department is good right now. It's professional, good morale. They care about what they're doing."

Krause, 42, started his career with the Harvard Police Department in 1995, serving as the department's first school resource officer shortly thereafter. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2001.

As chief, Krause will make $110,000 a year.

"Harvard is a great place and I've been fortunate with the opportunities I've had since I've been here," he said.

Krause said that his primary challenge will be in managing minimal resources.

"The last 6, 7 years, the economy has been such that we've had to do away with personnel and some things that we used to enjoy," he said. "That poses a difficult aspect in terms of keeping things moving, keeping things going the way you want them to go."

Krause has a bachelor's degree in general studies and a Master of Science degree in criminal justice administration. He received both from Columbia College in Columbia, Mo., completing his master's in 2013.

His educational background factored into the decision, Nolan said.

"I personally think Mark is a great choice," Nolan said. "We can work with him well. He's very focused on what he's doing, and he's been trained in the department."

Kazy-Garey's last official day as chief is July 3, but he has told city officials that he will be out of the office starting in early May, utilizing accrued vacation and sick days.

Kazy-Garey, 52, has said his maximum pension effectively forced his decision to leave.