It was business as usual at Edmonds City Hall Wednesday, whatever “usual” is the day after the sudden death of the city’s chief of police.
A somber staff rendered service to the public at city offices after news of the death of Police Chief David Stern early Wednesday morning. It was not unusual for voices of those answering the phones at city offices to break with emotion.
For some staff members, business was unusually brisk on Wednesday, as calls and e-mails bearing condolences and offers of assistance poured in. “Maybe it’s good … it keeps our minds busy,” commented an Edmonds Police Department employee.
Mayor Gary Haakenson ordered American flags on city property lowered to half staff in honor of Stern. A tent manned around the clock by an honor guard has been set up in front of the Public Safety complex to receive flowers and cards from well-wishers.
“It’s a great tragedy for our city because he not only was a great chief of police … but he was just someone who was a contributing member of our community,” said Peggy Pritchard Olson, president of the Edmonds City Council.
She said she expects the council to hold its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, May 1, the day of Stern’s funeral. The April 24 meeting was canceled after word of Stern’s medical condition was received.
“It pretty much puts everything in perspective,” Olson said.
Stern was a ” … mentor … good friend … ethical beyond reproach,” said Gerry Gannon, assistant chief of police.
The mayor called him a “very firm boss,” which his officers and staff appreciated. “The city has lost a dear friend,” Haakenson said.
Al Compaan, an assistant chief of police who has been named acting chief, recalled Stern “set an example for law enforcement” with his ” … strong ethics and honesty …”
Fighting back tears, Compaan said Wednesday, “I have a hard time even looking at the e-mails (sent by those offering sympathy and help) right now …” Noting that law enforcement’s mission is to be there when people need them, he acknowledged that “In this case … the community … and (other) law enforcement … are there for us.”
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