Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Arlington police chief resigns John Gray expressed disappointment at stepping down from the job he's held since 2001, saying the city wanted new leadership. By Jackson Holtz Herald Writer ARLINGTON -- Arlington Police Chief John Gray and the city are parting ways. Details of Gray's departure were still being worked out Tuesday, Arlington city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said. He's been chief since 2001. "We are in the process of mutually separating," she said. City officials plan to appoint an interim chief until a new chief is hired. Gray, 54, is a 30-year veteran law enforcement professional and president of the Snohomish County Association of Sheriff and Police Chiefs. He said the city wanted new leadership in the police department. "Did I know that this could happen? Absolutely. Am I disappointed? Absolutely," Gray said Tuesday. Gray met with Mayor Margaret Larson on Tuesday morning, Banfield said. Larson was not immediately available for comment. The chief's contract was up for expiration in October, Banfield said. "This was just an earlier date than that," she said. Gray was placed on administrative leave pending resolution of the separation, Banfield said. When Gray took the reins in Arlington, he faced the challenge of changing a small-town department to one capable of handling the crime that comes with a growing city. He was the top choice of 15 candidates, replacing Steve Robinson, who served as chief for 11 years. Today, the department has 28 officers and seven civilian employees. In 2007, Arlington police responded to nearly 24,000 calls. Prior to joining Arlington, Gray was the chief in Lake Stevens for five years. He rose through the ranks of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office as a deputy, a sergeant and a detective, as well as a seven-year member of the county's hostage crisis negotiation team. He also served as interim police chief of Sultan for six months in 1995. Gray has been active in the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and is involved with Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. He's widely respected throughout the Snohomish County law enforcement community. "We've had nothing but a positive working relationship," Marysville Police Chief Rick Smith said. Chief Tom Greene of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office supervised Gray in the '90s when was a deputy, and has followed his career since. "I regard him very highly as a very capable and professional police administrator," Greene said. "He represents our profession very well." Now, the city will work to replace Gray, Banfield said. An interim chief likely will be named and "we'll start moving from there onto next steps and start recruiting for a new police chief," she said. Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.

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