Edmonds police chief knew job was about people

Published 1:30 am Saturday, December 28, 2019

Regarding the news that Edmonds Police Chief Al Compaan will retire at the end of the year, I met Chief Compaan nearly 40 years ago when I was a state trooper and he was an Edmonds police officer. When I became county sheriff, he was the person I could always turn to for guidance. He was never too busy to listen and give advice.

He is an absolute professional and a class act. You always knew that Al wouldn’t just do what’s standard, correct or legal. He’d do the right thing. Every time I see him, a smile is followed by a handshake and big hug. He isn’t afraid to be compassionate and human. To be kind to others in what can be a tough, unkind business of crime and punishment.

Al is why we always say that leadership is about people. He is a leader who makes sure others get the credit for the success in the community. If you see Chief Compaan, now that he’s retiring, please take a moment to thank him for his extraordinary public service, and shake his hand for decades of protecting and serving our families.

Al, you’ve earned this retirement. And when I see you, it won’t be a handshake. It’ll be a hug.

Rep. John Lovick

Acting Speaker, House of Representatives

Mill Creek