The Nome Police Department will soon have new leadership, as Sergeant Brandon Barry takes over as interim police chief following the upcoming departure of William Crockett. Crockett’s contract with the city ends Feb. 11.
Barry was introduced at Monday night’s Nome Common Council meeting by City Manager Lee Smith, who praised the longtime officer’s qualifications and character.
“I think we've got the right guy, and we had recommendations from Will and even internal staff that said ‘we feel like he's gonna keep us on the straight and narrow’,” Smith said. “He's a fair gentleman and he's good with people, good with little kids.”
Barry has served with the Nome Police Department since 2021 and brings 25 years of law enforcement experience to the role. Before coming to Alaska, he spent 17 years in Trinidad, Colo., followed by several years with the Los Alamos County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, Barry picked up a variety of roles including SWAT commander and emergency response team commander.
Replay Sergeant Brandon Barry's introduction
“I’ve kind of run the gambit in my career,” Barry told the council.
He told the council he had dreamed of moving to Alaska for 30 years.
“Nome kind of found me. I actually took this job sight unseen, and I have not regretted one day of it at all,” Barry said.
Smith said Barry will attend future council meetings while serving as interim chief to further familiarize himself with city operations. A job description for the permanent position is posted on the City of Nome’s website.
