The City of Seward has announced Louis “Butch” Tiner as its new police chief, bringing a familiar face back to lead the department. Tiner, who grew up in Seward, brings over 30 years of experience serving the city’s police department.

His law enforcement journey began in 1986 as an Animal Control Officer and Corrections Officer. After completing additional training, Tiner became a full-time officer in 1988 and rose through the ranks, earning promotion to Lieutenant in 2001. He served under Chief Clemmons until his first retirement in 2014.

But Tiner’s idea of retirement proved anything but typical. Following in his father’s footsteps, he purchased a gill net permit and spent eight years fishing salmon in Prince William Sound. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to start a construction business, working in the field for five winters. The call of public service brought him back to the police department twice – first in 2016 for a five-month stint, and again in 2024, when the department needed assistance. When Chief Nichols recently announced his retirement, Tiner saw the opportunity to fulfill a twenty-year dream of leading the department.

As he steps into his new role, Chief Tiner faces several immediate challenges. The department currently operates with just four of its eight officer positions filled, supplemented by two temporary positions and one new hire in the onboarding process. His primary goals are straightforward: boost department morale, achieve full staffing, and enhance communication between stakeholders, including SeaView Community Services and Seward Community Health Center.

Infrastructure needs also top his agenda. The department is in the planning stages for a new building – a necessity, according to Tiner, who notes that officers currently must take turns writing reports in the squad room due to space constraints. The facility lacks adequate interview space, and, while a new jail would be beneficial, Tiner acknowledges the prohibitive costs of construction and staffing. Currently, male inmates must be transported to Spring Creek Prison, while female inmates face a five-hour round trip to Wildwood Correctional Center.

The Seward community welcomes Chief Tiner to his new position, recognizing that his deep roots and extensive experience make him uniquely qualified to lead the department into its next chapter.