T-R FILE PHOTO — Marshalltown Police Department Lt. Tricia Thein, who was recently named the next police chief in Decorah, was named the MPD’s employee of the year in 2022.

DECORAH — One of the longest serving and most recognizable faces of the Marshalltown Police Department will be moving on after she was appointed as the new Decorah police chief during a city council meeting Monday night.

Lt. Tricia Thein was one of three finalists interviewed for the position. The council approved her hiring on a 6-1 vote, with council member Randy Schissel voting against it.

Thein will be paid $110,000 a year, along with “all benefits as currently prescribed for this position.” Thein’s first day of employment has been tentatively set for Wednesday, July 19. Thein will start her job with five weeks per year paid vacation and two weeks per year paid sick leave. The city will also pay for up to $2,500 in moving expenses.

Thein is described by Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski as “an engaging communicator” and “a proven leader” who has “comprehensive qualifications” for the position. She has 26 years experience as a police officer, including time spent with the Waukon Police Department.

Thein, a native of northeast Iowa, recently reached the 20-year mark with the MPD and received the department’s employee of the year award in 2022. She also completed FBI National Academy training last year and has been heavily involved in the MPD’s anti-human trafficking efforts.

“We are super proud of her. We will also miss her something fierce. Tricia has served our department with honor and integrity for over 20 years. She is the best and she leaves huge shoes to fill. The Decorah community hit a home run with this hire,” the MPD wrote in a Facebook post.