Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Walser's career highlights Police career Washington State Patrol, 1967-1995: Walser worked as a trooper on Stevens Pass; was assigned to a newly formed riot squad during the Vietnam War era; investigated fatal collisions; was promoted to sergeant and later detective sergeant; retired as lieutenant. Sultan police chief, 1996-2007. Civic involvement His civic involvement includes serving as the chairman of U.S. 2 Safety Coalition. In 1995, he ran unsuccessfully for Snohomish County sheriff, losing to Patrick Murphy.   Related Stories • Investigation of Sultan's ex-police chief complete 11/7/07 • Prosecutors to review former Sultan police chief's case 11/6/07   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   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.

1. Fire destroys Emory's restaurant 2. Man dies in apparent suicide on Edmonds beach 3. Camano Island burglaries spike: Is Colton back? 4. Storm dents Tulalip couple's retirement plan 5. For many cougars, it's one night only 6. Lulu the St. Bernard helps out with crossing guard job 7. Business Briefly: L.A. man gets prison for repackaging Boeing 737 plane parts 8. Sultan man charged with assault for firing at deputy 9. Peggy Pritchard Olson always put Edmonds first 10. Emory's blaze causes $2 million in damage 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Bazaar Fever • Hawks proud of historic season • Olson always put Edmonds first • ‘Wheedle' author comes to Lynnwood bookshop • Mavs build early lead en route to easy win • Honoring student veterans • Tears of laughter, tears of grief • Death on Edmonds beach likely a suicide • Edmonds gets education grant • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million