ARLINGTON, VA — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has selected Police Maj. Joseph Kluh as its new police chief, with his appointment set to take effect Sunday.
Kluh, a 28-year veteran of the department, was chosen after what the described as an extensive nationwide search, according to a release.
Kluh joined the Airports Authority in 1997 as an officer and later held command positions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, the headquarters office and the authority’s 911 call center, according to Tuesday's announcement. The authority said he has led police functions including patrol, special operations, criminal investigations, training and executive-level command.
The Airports Authority Police Department has more than 230 personnel responsible for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Toll Road, according to the authority. The department is accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission and participates in regional mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions in the National Capital Region.
“Chief Kluh has shown an unyielding commitment to setting strategic direction and leading culture change. He consistently upholds professionalism, accountability, integrity and public trust in high-stakes environments,” Airports Authority Vice President for Public Safety Bryan Norwood stated in the announcement. “I am confident he will lead our people and our department successfully into this next chapter.”
Kluh earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, according to the authority. He will become the first police chief appointed from within the department’s ranks.
“It has been the privilege of my career to serve the traveling public at Reagan National and Dulles International airports,” Kluh said. “Having spent my entire public safety career with this department, I am deeply honored to become the first police chief appointed from within our ranks. I look forward to leading this outstanding team as we continue our commitment to safety, service and public trust.”
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates Reagan National, Dulles International, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road. The authority also managed construction of the Silver Line extension through Northern Virginia, which began service to Dulles International in 2022.
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