Everett has new deputy police chief
Published 10:53 pm Monday, June 30, 2008
EVERETT — A high-ranking Everett Police Department official retired Monday and the city has promoted a woman to fill the deputy chief position, the highest rank a woman has held in Everett.
Monday was Deputy Chief Jerry Burke’s last day, ending a 26-year career. Kathy Atwood was promoted from captain to take Burke’s place.
Burke, 57, was an integral part of the leadership team, “who gave good advice, well intended for the citizens of Everett and the police department,” Chief Jim Scharf said.
The deputy chief will be tremendously missed by the department, Scharf said.
“They’re very, very big shoes to fill,” Atwood, 47, said. “He is just a classic, intelligent public servant. It’s very difficult to follow behind someone as talented and dedicated as he is.”
Burke rose through the ranks and spent part of his police career working with the city’s SWAT team and battling drug problems, including working with the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force. Now, Burke said he plans to travel, read, and catch up with friends and family.
“I’m planning on being the husband to my wife that the job responsibility and time commitment hasn’t allowed me to do in a proper manner,” Burke said.
Atwood, who grew up in Everett, said the promotion is “extra special for me,” not so much as a woman but because her hard work as a police officer has been recognized.
“I don’t look at it as much as being the first female,” she said. “It just continues to confirm with me what I felt all along: There’s a culture of opportunity for everyone who has dreams and for everyone who works hard.”
Atwood will be in charge of the investigations and services division, which includes detectives, records, employee contracts and capital improvement projects.
“She brings a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm for what she does and is going to be a great addition to the administrative staff,” Scharf said.
Additional promotions were announced this week, including the position vacated when Lt. Butch Braley retired a few weeks ago after serving for 28 years.
Dan Templeman was promoted to captain and takes command of the investigations division. Jim Duffy and Rod Sniffen both were promoted to lieutenant, and Bob Marshall and Brian Brockman were promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
