Daniel Christman has been named the next Chief of Police for the City of Mount Vernon. The announcement came Friday, April 26 from Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan.
“Chief Christman is well known in the law enforcement community because of his reputation for exercising sound judgment under pressure, managing and communicating to the public through sensitive events, and leading coordinated operations among multiple agencies,” Donovan said. “He is a leader among leaders in his field, and we are fortunate to have found someone of Chief Christman’s caliber.”
Christman, the current Selah police chief since 2019, has a long history with law enforcement. He started in the City of Bothell Police Department in 1997 after a career as a death investigator. During his time in law enforcement, he has participated in Multiple Agency Response Team assignments, special investigation units and examinations into officer-involved use-of-force incidents. In 2016, he served as the operations commander for the City of Sunnyside Police Department.
He’s also taught criminal investigation classes at the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, according to the Selah chief’s page.
The search for a new chief of police started after current Chief Chris Cammock announced his retirement in January. Cammock pushed back the date of his retirement because of a struggle to find candidates for the position.
Salary range was a part of the reason Mount Vernon was originally unsuccessful in finding a top candidate. In February, Mount Vernon City Council increased the salary range from a ceiling of $189,873 to a cap of $209,335.
Christman was previously a finalist for the Mount Vernon job but withdrew his application before final interviews since he was a finalist for a chief of police position in Richland. Yakima Police Department Captain Shawn Boyle was given an offer from Mount Vernon but was pursuing another position elsewhere.
In a community forum for Mount Vernon residents on March 26, Christman emphasized his work on community engagement, the importance of investing in the city and what he would do to build trust between the police and residents.
Christman is expected to start before the first week of June.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
