Today, Chief Norman Williams announces the hiring of Gordon Bassham as the Assistant to the Chief of Police. Mr. Gordon Bassham was selected from approximately one-hundred-twenty-five applicants for this position. Mr. Bassham will assume this position on Monday, August 28, 2006.
Prior to joining the Wichita Police Department, Mr. Bassham’s professional career included working with Social and Rehabilitation Services; as well as working for several different media companies. Mr. Bassham’s educational achievements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of Houston, graduation from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, Hutchinson, Kansas and numerous journalism fellowships. Mr. Bassham has also received several journalism awards including the coveted Award for Special Achievement in Public Service.
In addition to Mr. Bassham’s diverse professional career, he has served his country in the United States Navy and he was decorated while serving in the Vietnam War.
According to Mr. Bassham, “This is my ideal job and I am looking forward to working in the Wichita Police Department.” This position will allow him to blend his law enforcement and media experiences as he strives to enhance the working relationships between department members and media representatives.
Mr. Bassham brings with him a wealth of experience in the areas of media, law enforcement, data analysis, crisis management and as a classroom lecturer. As Assistant to the Chief of Police, Mr. Bassham will be focusing his energies on research, data analysis, fostering functional media relationships, and problem solving, among other assignments. He will have many opportunities to direct his energies in ways that will promote the Wichita Police Department Mission and Values.
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