Granato Has Fought Crime and Allegations as Chief

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Story Published: Aug 27, 2009 at 5:33 PM PDT

By Peter Bukowski

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YAKIMA -- When he arrived in 2003, gangs, guns and drugs were a problem. And they still are today. Despite recent shootings, Sam Granato's tenure as police chief has actually given rise to real success in a fight against violence.

" I think one of the things that Chief Granato did was really challenge the city of Yakima to address our gang issues. For years it was going on but we didn't want to talk about it," said Mayor Dave Edler.

And things changed in a hurry. Just a year after taking over, violent crime fell 11.6% despite population growth. By 2007, the crime rate per 1,000 was the lowest it'd been in Yakima since the state started tracking such things 30 years ago. The Mayor believes Granato's leadership was critical.

"Because we need that kind of hard-nosed leader at the head of law enforcement. The things we face, we gotta have somebody that's not afraid to say what needs to be said and step on toes to move our community forward."

But Granato's challenges were more than just gang-related. He faced a slew of lawsuits for harassment and misconduct.

Officer, Stacey Andrews claimed Granato sexual harassed, then mistreated her once the allegations come out. Then her husband claimed Granato also targeted him in retaliation.

Officer Mike Rummel accused Granato of misconduct when Rummel was fired from the force. Rummel battled depression and alcoholism and committed suicide shortly after losing his last appeal to get his job back.

Despite the controversy, the Mayor is sticking by his chief.

"I'm still committed to him. I'm still committed to his leadership."

Virginia Santillanas worked with Granato during her time on the Citizens Advisory committee. She believes in his community-based approach.

"For the most part, he really tried to bring the community together and do all that he could to focus on trying to eliminate as much crime as possible, but it's just one person. It takes all of us working together.

"My hope would be that if he does indeed move on from the city, we look for someone that has similar qualities," offered Mayor Edler.

A Chief who has made a difference and made headlines along the way.

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