Interim Bellevue police chief tagged to fill role in full-time capacity

Interim Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley was chosen this week to take on the job in a full-time capacity.

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Shirley served for 25 years with the Santa Monica Police Department in California, before retiring as captain in 2019. Inspired by 2020’s social justice protests stemming from the murder of George Floyd, Shirley came out of retirement in March of the following year to join the Bellevue Police Department as assistant chief.

In August of 2021, he was tagged to succeed outgoing Police Chief Steve Mylett in an interim capacity. On Wednesday, City Manager Brad Miyake expressed his belief that Shirley had “demonstrated the leadership skills and dedication necessary to lead the department.”

With his role now solidified, Shirley laid out his vision to “listen to our community and adapt.”

“Through strong community engagement and transparency, we can continue to build trust with the Bellevue community,” he said in a press release. “Community engagement is one of my top priorities.”

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“Public safety is a partnership,” he added. “Law enforcement cannot do it alone and we need to partner with our residents and business community to continue to enjoy a high quality of life in Bellevue.”

Mylett served as Bellevue’s police chief for six years, before announcing he’d be leaving Bellevue in July of 2021 to head up Akron’s police force. That decision was partly driven by a desire to live closer to his children and grandchildren.

Shirley will be sworn in at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Bellevue City Hall.

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