Brentwood names Walter O'Grodnick its 13th police chief

Brentwood has a permanent police chief again. Acting City Manager Terrance Davis announced Monday, July 6, that Capt. Walter O'Grodnick will be the city's 13th chief of police, effective July 16.

O'Grodnick has run the department as interim chief since September 2025. He has 32 years in law enforcement, 28 of them with the Brentwood Police Department, where he started in 1998.

Before choosing him, the city asked residents, business owners, employees and other community members what they wanted in a chief. More than 240 people answered the Police Chief Community Survey. They named public safety, integrity, accountability, communication, leadership and community-oriented policing as the qualities that mattered most.

"Through his 28 years of service to Brentwood, Chief O'Grodnick has demonstrated the leadership, humility, character, and vision necessary to lead the Brentwood Police Department into its next chapter," Davis said in the city's announcement. "We're thrilled to have someone of Chief O'Grodnick's integrity and caliber in this critical role."

O'Grodnick said he was "deeply honored and humbled" by the appointment, and that he was committed to working with officers, residents and city leaders "to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability."

The city said the department's priorities under the new chief include employee development, technology and regional partnerships on public safety.

Residents who want to meet him can do it in person. The Police Department will host an open house on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the department, open to anyone who wants to talk with the chief.