Lake Forest Park, Washington Police Chief, Dennis Peterson announces his retirement

Police Chief Dennis Peterson announced his retirement effective January 6, 2013.  

“It has been an amazing 12 years with the department and the wonderful people that have dedicated themselves to serve the City of Lake Forest Park,” said Chief Peterson in his retirement announcement.   “I have been blessed to be a part of a great city and department. It has been my honor and privilege to be able to serve our community.”

In announcing his retirement to staff, Chief Peterson said, 

“I want to thank the Mayor for her direction and continued support for the police department and City. She has been a pleasure to work with. I am very impressed with how she hit the ground running, wanting the best for the City. I wish her well with the future of the City.”

Chief Peterson
Shoreline Area News Photo

Chief Dennis Peterson has been the Police Chief of Lake Forest Park for over 12 years.  He was hired in 2000 by then Mayor David Hutchinson.  During Chief Peterson’s tenure, the Lake Forest Park Police Department has improved its professional training, formed interdepartmental alliances with other police departments and helped form the Coalition of Small Cities that provides a major crimes task force, interagency training that has reduced cost to the city’s budget. Most recently, Chief Peterson led the police department to department accreditation by the Washington Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. The police department follows best industry practice and standards in law enforcement.

“Police Chief Dennis Peterson is not only a professional manager, and true team player, he has also earned the admiration and respect of our citizens.  He is well-respected within his department, within the City, and among other police departments throughout the region” said Mayor Mary Jane Goss.  “He has been a true leader, transforming our City’s police department into a highly professional department, with low turnover, and known for its trained professionals and excellent customer service.”

“The City Council and I want to express our appreciation to Chief Peterson for his outstanding service to the citizens of Lake Forest Park for the past 12 years.” added Mayor Goss. “Police Chief Dennis Peterson has set a standard of excellence in our City government and made a real difference here.  We want to recognize, and are all extremely grateful for, his dedicated service to the City.”

Following Chief Peterson’s announcement, Mayor Goss announced that City Administrator Pete Rose will be directing the recruitment for a new Police Chief which will begin immediately.

Lake Forest Park is a three and half square mile residential community bordered by Seattle to the south, the Snohomish County line to the north, with Lake Washington and Kenmore to the east, and Shoreline to the west.  Less than 4% of the city land is zoned commercial; most of that is in one location, and there are no industrial areas. The City's population grew 210% in the 1990's, largely as a result of annexations.  Today, Lake Forest Park’s population is just over 12,500.

Lake Forest Park utilizes the Mayor/Council form of government (strong mayor) and provides a wide range of government services.  The Executive Department is led by Mayor Mary Jane Goss, who started her first term as Mayor January 1, 2012. Lake Forest Park is a full service city with 8 departments, 54 full time employees and a $7.3 million operating budget.