On Wednesday, June 10, 2009, the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners announced the promotion of Major Timothy Fitch to the rank of Chief of Police. Effective today, Chief Fitch will begin his tenure as the Chief of the St. Louis County Police Department.

"The Board determined that the Department had professional, highly trained and qualified leaders capable of leading the St. Louis County Police Department. That determination was truly manifested in the stellar qualifications of Major Timothy Fitch," stated Chairman of the Police Board, Colonel Gregory G. Sansone. "This selection provides the St. Louis County Police Department with a Commander who will lead the organization with progressive ideas into the future."

St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley stated "I want to congratulate the Board and the entire St. Louis County Police Department on their selection of Major Timothy Fitch. I had full faith in their intention to select a Chief from the ranks of the St. Louis County Police Department. Their selection is outstanding."

Col. Sansone also praised Chief Lee for his leadership of one of the finest police departments in the United States. Chief Lee began his career in 1970 and served in all four of the Department Divisions in a variety of assignments and ranks. He was named Chief of Police on June 1, 2004 by the Board of Police Commissioners.

Chief Fitch began his career with the St. Louis County Police Department in 1983. He has served as the Commanding Officer of the Divisions of Operational Support and Patrol. Chief Fitch has held various positions of rank in all Divisions within the Department. Chief Fitch has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Truman State University and a Master's degree in Management from Fontbonne University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and is an adjunct instructor for Lindenwood University and the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy. Chief Fitch is also a graduate of the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection program. He is a member of the International Association of Chief's of Police, Missouri Police Chief's Association, FBI National Academy Associates (2006 Chapter President), Law Enforcement Officials of Greater St. Louis (2007 Treasurer), the Backstoppers and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. He serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Crusade Against Crime. Chief Fitch is a certified Assessor and Team Leader for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®).

Chief Fitch stated "I am looking forward to working cooperatively with all of the citizens and other law enforcement agencies in the St. Louis County area. This a great opportunity for me to lead the fine men and women of this Department who protect and serve our community."