Police Chief David Doll announced today (Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020) he will retire from the Bellingham Police Department, effective January 4, 2021, after a 40-year career in City law enforcement.
Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood said he will appoint Deputy Chief Flo Simon to serve as Interim Police Chief while the City conducts a search for a new Chief of Police during the first half of 2021.
In his retirement announcement, Doll noted his deep appreciation for the support he has received throughout the years from past and present mayors, City council members, department heads and community stakeholders. He also expressed his gratitude and respect to the women and men of the Bellingham Police Department.
“It has been an outright privilege to grow with you, work alongside you and ultimately lead you as your Chief,” he said. “Your dedication, professionalism, sacrifice and commitment to serving all our community is what makes and has always made our department one of the best in this nation.”
Doll said his immediate plans upon retirement are to “give back to his family, chill out a bit and seek new adventures.”
Doll began his law enforcement career in 1980 as an Explorer Cadet and was hired as a Commissioned Officer in 1984. He remained with the Bellingham Police Department throughout his career, serving in every aspect of policing including three years as Police Chief, twelve years as Deputy Chief, patrol, K9, school resource officer, investigations, emergency manager and 911 center manager.
“Chief Doll has provided excellent leadership and quality police work throughout his career with Bellingham Police,” Mayor Fleetwood said. “It has been my good fortune to be able to rely on his skills and experience especially during these challenging months navigating COVID-19 and calls for social justice and law enforcement reform. He has been a key member of my management team and will be missed. I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. We are quite fortunate that Deputy Chief Simon is willing and highly qualified to lead the department during this transition. She is well known and respected in our community and I look forward to working with her in this leadership role.”
