Assistant Chief Bob Karnofski

Assistant Chief Bob Karnofski started his career with the Auburn Police Department in 1981. He spent 4 years in patrol before being assigned as the Crime Prevention Officer and the department’s Public Information Officer. He then went on to become one of the first DARE Officers in Washington State, and the first in Auburn. Assistant Chief Karnofski was promoted to Sergeant in 1988. As a Sergeant, he spent one year overseeing Support Services, which included DARE, Training and Evidence. He spent 4 years supervising patrol, and the last 3 years as a Sergeant in the Major Crimes Unit in Investigations. Assistant Chief Karnofski was promoted to Lieutenant in 1996. That rank was later changed to Commander. As a Commander, he was assigned to Support Services, Jail, Patrol and Investigations Divisions. As a Commander, he was concurrently assigned over the Valley Crisis Communications Unit (hostage negotiators.) He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2006.

Assistant Chief Karnofski earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Fresno State University with honors, and is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound. He serves on the Boards of Auburn Youth Resources, Auburn Human Services Campus, Auburn School District Business Education, and CPS Citizens Advisory Board. He is a member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, FBI National Academy Associates (Washington Chapter), and the King County Local Emergency Planning Committee.