James Graddon, Chief of Police for the City of SeaTac, has been honored with the Crime Prevention Chief of the Year award by the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA).

"The award is based on Chief Graddon's contributions made through his leadership with crime prevention projects, not just in SeaTac, but throughout the state of Washington," said Vince Powell, vice president of WSCPA. "His support of the WSCPA has been instrumental in training, improvement and awareness in the field of crime prevention."

The WSCPA hosted its 2010 Awards Ceremony in Spokane on April 29th

"I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Chief Graddon and I can't imagine a better person for the honor," said Todd Cutts, interim city manager for the City of SeaTac. "In just three years his leadership has resulted in continuous improvements in public safety and has helped to change some long-held perceptions of our community."

Chief Graddon is a graduate of Kennedy High School in Burien. He earned his AAS Administration of Justice degree from Highline Community College. He began his career with the Seattle Police Department in 1978. He was the Green River Task Force commander through the arrest of, and later plea agreement process with Gary Ridgeway. He was named Chief of Police for the City of SeaTac in 2007.

The Purpose of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association is to contribute to the reduction and control of criminal victimization in the State of Washington. For more information please visit www.wscpaonline.org.