Lacey police chief appointed to Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority 

City of Lacey Police Department Chief Robert Almada has been appointed to the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority, a state body mandated to reduce auto theft through prevention, education and support for law enforcement. 

Governor Bob Ferguson named Almada to the board for a term beginning July 1 and ending Nov. 18, the City of Lacey announced on Monday, July 28. 

State law RCW 46.66.080 established the authority as a 10-member body appointed by the governor to staggered terms.  

Bryan Jeter serves as the authority’s Executive Director, and Chief John Batiste represents the Washington State Patrol.  

Current members also include Sheriff John Gese of Kitsap County, Chief Christopher Guerrero of Kennewick Police Department, Sheriff Darrin Wallace of Grays Harbor County and Prosecutor Mary Robnett. 

Industry appointees are Jason Treadwell from the auto sector and Karen Lang of PEMCO Insurance, while John Martin serves as the public member. 

Almada’s term and those of Gese and Martin end in November 2025, while other appointments extend to November 2027. 

Background, volunteer work 

Since July 2021, Almada has served as police chief. He is also a Strophy Foundation board, a group supporting crime victims and promoting therapeutic court programs. 

According to a statement from the foundation, Almada “brings decades of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to community-based policing.” 

The foundation said Almada promotes therapeutic courts to help first-time, low-level offenders avoid repeat offenses. 

Outside his law enforcement role, Almada and his wife volunteer for local organizations, including Relay for Life, North Thurston Education Foundation and Northwest Bloodworks. They also foster dogs through Joint Animal Services. 

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Chief Almada’s leadership and dedication to public safety. Please join us in congratulating Chief Almada on this important role and thanking him for continuing to serve and protect our communities, locally and now at the state level,” the City of Lacey stated.