Chief Rahr has released the following statement regarding upcoming changes to the Seattle Police Department Command Staff.
Happy Friday! I have a lot of news to share so buckle up! Everyone knows we are getting a new chief, but I don’t yet have a date for the mayor’s announcement of his selection. I’m aware the rumors are already circulating in the media, but I am not in a position to comment about them. In the meantime, I have a department to manage, and it is necessary for me to make a couple of significant changes in leadership to maintain continuity of operations until I leave, and the new chief is on board.
First major change – After serving the people of Seattle for 38 years, Deputy Chief Eric Barden is going to retire. He has made significant contributions to this department during his years of service and leaves a very proud legacy. He is currently dealing with his mother’s very serious illness and assisting his father. I don’t have a specific date for his retirement, but he will be away from headquarters beginning Monday, December 16. I will keep you all informed as plans are being developed to celebrate his career.
Second – Next week I will appoint Assistant Chief Yvonne Underwood to be the Acting Deputy Chief. She will take on this operational responsibility when she returns from vacation next week. She has the knowledge and experience necessary to step in and maintain the multi-faceted patrol and investigative operations across the organization.
Third – Once we have identified her replacement, I am going to appoint Captain Lori Aagard to be the Acting Assistant Chief over Professional Standards. I expect this to happen before the end of this year. Lori has done an outstanding job leading the North Precinct and I know she will be missed by the staff at the precinct, the community, and the city council members she has worked with so effectively.
Both A/C Underwood and Captain Aagard have impressed me with their hard work, knowledge, and dedication to supporting the men and women who deliver service to the communities we serve. Rebuilding trust within SPD has been my top priority and I believe both of these leaders will continue the carry out that mission.
-Seattle Police Department Interim Chief of Police
Sue Rahr