After serving the Arvada Police Department (APD) for 35 years, Chief Link Strate has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2022. In a message to the City team, Chief Strate stated, “It has been my greatest professional joy to serve as an Arvada police officer these past 35 years.”

Chief Strate’s career with APD began in 1987 as a patrol officer. After several years in this position, he became a motorcycle officer. In the early years of his career, Link was promoted to sergeant and served as a patrol, traffic and investigations supervisor and was later promoted to commander and deputy chief. He was appointed Chief in 2018.

During his tenure, Link contributed to the advancement of the JEFFCOM Regional Dispatch Center and the Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory. While serving in the investigations bureau, Link led a significant effort to encourage the collection of DNA evidence, which supported the prosecution of crimes that might otherwise go undetected. He also helped lead the county’s Critical Incident Response Team that investigates officer-involved shootings.

Deputy City Manager Don Wick said, "having served with Link for more than 30 years, I am proud of Link’s accomplishments throughout his career with the Arvada Police Department. Link’s commitment to the department and the community is exemplary. As a community, we are all grateful to Link for the way he helped lead through challenging times."

Over the past two years, APD experienced the tragic loss of two Arvada Police officers. Throughout these difficult events, Chief Strate provided compassionate leadership by supporting the APD team, the City team and the community

"It’s been an honor to serve with Chief Strate on the City’s Leadership Team,” said City Manager Lorie Gillis. ”Over the past two years, through tragedy and healing, he has brought strength and compassion to the Police Department and the community. Link's dedication to leading the Department has never wavered. He has been a leader in areas beyond APD, facilitating the City Council’s strategic planning process and serving on the board of the Ralston House among other citywide committees.”

Effective Dec. 5, 2022, APD’s Deputy Chief Ed Brady will begin serving as interim Chief.