MY EDMONDS NEWS Posted: March 17, 2021
Michelle Bennett
Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson on Wednesday announced that he has appointed King County Sheriff’s Office veteran Michelle Bennett to serve as the city’s acting chief of police, effective Thursday, March 18. Bennettt will replace Acting Chief Jim Lawless, who is resigning to take a job as assistant police chief in Marysville.
Bennett will serve as acting chief while the city conducts its recruitment for the next police chief a process that is estimated to take several months. Under city code, her appointment can run for six months or until the new chief is hired, whichever is sooner.
MY EDMONDS NEWS Posted: March 9, 2021
Jim Lawless
After more than 25 years with the Edmonds Police Department, Acting Police Chief Jim Lawless announced Tuesday he would be resigning later this month.
A long-time assistant chief, Lawless will be leaving Edmonds to become assistant chief in the City of Marysville. He has served as acting chief in Edmonds since January 2020. His last day will be March 22.
Though he is leaving Edmonds, Lawless said in a statement that the residents will continue to be served by the department’s officers and praised their dedication to protecting the community.
“I remain incredibly impressed but in no way surprised by their continued professionalism and sacrifice during this time of uncertainty and transition,” he said. “The most diverse department in our city has continued to do their job at an exceptionally high level this past year, no matter what has been put in front of them.”