Lakewood police chief fired two weeks after being placed on administrative leave
Sep 3, 2026, 7:39 AM | Updated: 4:01 pm
Former Lakewood Police Chief Patrick Smith speaks at a podium during an outdoor press conference. (Photo courtesy of the Lakewood Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Lakewood Police Department)
Two weeks after he was placed on administrative leave, Lakewood Police Chief Patrick Smith has been fired from his position.
The City of Lakewood confirmed the firing Monday. He was placed on administrative leave last month following no-confidence votes from the department’s police unions.
The city hasn’t detailed the findings that led to his removal.
According to The Tacoma News Tribune, Smith, who’s been the Lakewood Police Chief since 2023, is defending his record and blaming department culture for his ouster.
“I am proud of everything I’ve brought to this city,” Smith wrote, according to The Tacoma News Tribune. “I walk away proud of the changes I was able to accomplish. I look forward to more fully shedding light on the conduct of the few who hold onto the past.”
Smith said the decision was driven by a culture “rooted in the past and resistant to change” and claimed that he faced discrimination, including being called a “DEI hire.”
In a public records request filed by The Tacoma News Tribune, the Lakewood Police Independent Guild, the Lakewood Police Management Guild, and the union for the Police Department’s civilian employees formally wrote letters to city leadership claiming Smith was “dishonest,” failed to consult his command staff, and would retaliate against members of the union.
Smith has denied all of these allegations. He additionally claimed the City of Lakewood had the lowest crime rates in its history under his leadership.
He previously served as chief of the Birmingham Police Department in Alabama from 2018 to 2022. His 2025 salary as Lakewood chief was $216,696.
His firing comes just a month after Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson asked Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes to resign following the Bite of Seattle shooting and the subsequent slow response to provide details to the public and the media.
Barnes submitted a one-line resignation letter.
“I hereby submit my resignation from the position of Seattle Chief of Police, effective July 30, 2026. Regards, Shon F. Barnes,” the letter said.
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