Blackfoot police chief exits after 16 years, interim chief named

A Tuesday night city council meeting marked a changing of the guard for the Blackfoot Police Department.

Police chief Dave Moore announced he’s ending his 16 year career with the department.

Blackfoot Mayor Mike Virtue read aloud a letter announcing Moore’s retirement at a city council meeting on Tuesday night. Moore and many other Blackfoot PD officers were in attendance.

In that letter, Moore suggested current police Captain Kurt Asmus to take over the job.

Virtue said he will accept that recommendation and place Asmus on duty as interim chief as Moore exits.

Virtue took it one step further and suggested he would likely name Asmus to the job permanently when the time comes.

“Obviously I’m excited,” said Asmus. “I’ve worked here 22 years. I’d love to continue working with the city. The city and the people have been very good to me over the years.”

Asmus said he wouldn’t make any changes to the department while he was interim chief and it would be too early to discuss any plans for the future until an official appointment is made.

Moore said he’s made an official recommendation Asmus be permanently installed as chief.

“I’ve put a good team in place here, you saw the officers here tonight,” said Moore. “We’ve got a good team. I have no remorse about the back flow we’ve provided and I’m confident in the decision from the mayor and the council on our next chief.”

Moore said he is excited for the next chapter in his life, but that the decision to retire was a bittersweet one.

Moore has been Blackfoot’s police chief for 16 years.