Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, August 17, 2007

Last day for Sultan's top cop

Police Chief Fred Walser is leaving the department, but he wanted to stay while his alleged wrongdoing was investigated.

By Yoshiaki Nohara and Jackson Holtz, Herald Writers

 SULTAN -- Police Chief Fred Walser is scheduled to step down today even though he hasn't been in charge of the police department for weeks.

Walser originally planned to retire today, but he was placed administrative leave in June. He is being investigated as part of two probes into alleged wrongdoing at the police department.

His resignation takes effect against his will, Walser said.

"It's a big part of my life. I have a lot of mixed feelings, but it's time for me to leave. I recognize that," Walser said.

Walser, 66, who came to Sultan in 1996 after working for the Washington State Patrol for nearly 29 years, said he will miss interacting with people in town.

"There are just outstanding people who live in that city," Walser said.

He said he's reached out to people in town. As the police chief for nearly a dozen years, Walser took calls at work and home with people's concerns.

"Public service is what I'm about," he said.

He continues to work to make the dangerous, crowded U.S. 2 safer, Walser said. He's also considering running for state senate against incumbent Republican Val Stevens.

Walser resigns under the cloud of a criminal investigation and pending legal action.

He's taking the city's Civil Service Commission to court, alleging improper handling of a dispute over whether he must be forced to leave. The commission failed on a number of counts to properly handle Walser's appeal to be reinstated as chief while the city investigates him for alleged wrongdoing, according to papers filed July 27 in Superior Court.

In May, Walser announced plans to retire. A few weeks later he was placed on administrative leave. City officials said Walser is being investigated as part of two probes into allegations of wrongdoing at the police department. He tried to rescind his resignation, scheduled for today, until after the investigations were complete. City officials said no.

Walser appealed to the commission, an independent, three-person board that typically acts as an intermediary between sworn police officers and city officials. The commission denied Walser a hearing, his attorney, J.C. Becker, said.

Now, Walser is asking a judge to review the commission's decision. That decision may take as long as six months, Becker said.

The city appreciates Walser's long, dedicated service, city administrator Deborah Knight said. But Walser's last day as police chief is expected to pass quietly.

"We already thanked him when he turned in his resignation" in May, Knight said. "We are not planning on doing anything at this time."



Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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