City announces leadership transition in Police Department; Assistant Chief Mark Couey appointed as Acting Chief.
Interim City Manager Tim George informed the Des Moines Police Department and the City Council this week that, by mutual agreement, Tim Gately is transitioning from his current role as Police Chief.
Gately was hired in August of 2023 to take over the Department after Chief Ken Thomas retired. He has 25 years of experience in policing and will now be exploring other opportunities in the private and public sector.
“I want to thank Chief Gately for his service to this community. I enjoyed getting to know him and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Interim City Manager George.
Assistant Chief Mark Couey has been appointed as Acting Chief in the interim. Prior to Des Moines, Mark spent 27 years with the Washington State Patrol and retired as a Captain. After leaving the State Patrol, he accepted a position with the Office of Insurance Commissioner as the Director of the Criminal Investigations Unit. Chief Couey joined the Des Moines Police Department in 2019 and has served in the role of Assistant Chief since that time.