Veteran law enforcement leader from Arlington, Virginia, joins Public Safety team as eight other officers are promoted
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on Monday named law enforcement veteran James Wasem as its new deputy chief of police. Wasem joins the Airports Authority after more than 28 years of distinguished service with the nearby Arlington County, Virginia, Police Department.
“Deputy Chief Wasem brings a wealth of progressive law enforcement experience to the Airports Authority, combined with a deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for public safety in the National Capital Region,” said Airports Authority Chief of Police David Huchler.
Wasem began his career in the Arlington County Police Department as an internal affairs commander, steadily moving up in the ranks to patrol commander, special operations/SWAT commander, criminal investigations commander and human resources commander. He has managed a workforce of detectives, criminal investigators and support staff, led the agency’s emergency response team and crisis negotiations unit and overseen the hiring, training and development of new talent in the police department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
In his new role at the Airports Authority, Wasem will take on the role of Deputy Chief of Police in the Support Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Wasem will oversee training, police records and criminal investigations at both Reagan National and Dulles International airports.
In addition to the hiring of Deputy Chief Wasem, the Airports Authority Police Department recently announced the promotion of eight officers:
- Joseph Kluh to Major
- Gregory Belden to Lieutenant
- Scott Morris to Lieutenant
- Justin Bauer to Sergeant
- Lewis Golladay to Sergeant
- Sundi Harris to Sergeant
- Kimberly Mason to Sergeant
- Stephanie Poyner to Sergeant
The Airports Authority Police Department conducts operations while maintaining the commitment to deliver outstanding customer service at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Toll Road.