Published 12/20/07

New police chief for Tulalip Tribes

by Beckye Randall

Scott G. Smith, former police chief for the City of Mountlake Terrace, has accepted the position of Police Chief for the Tulalip Tribes Police Department, effective January 2, 2008.

“I want the community to know that it is truly an honor and a pleasure to serve Tulalip,” said Smith. “The thing that attracted me to this job was the high value tribal members place on family and community values. I commit to you now, that I will immerse myself and do everything I can to learn and protect Tulalip’s history, culture, heritage and all things that the community values. I will serve the Tribes with honor, dignity and integrity, and do everything in my power to keep this community a safe and secure place to live.”

Smith’s career spans 27 years as a patrol officer, police sergeant and deputy prior to his appointment as police chief for Mountlake Terrace, a law enforcement agency of approximately 45 employees. He also served nine years as a criminal justice instructor for the Edmonds School District, and currently serves as an executive board member on the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. His professional development includes training at the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwest Law Enforcement Executive Command College, and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. In 1999 he was recipient of the Line of Duty Medal of Valor.

“Our new chief is faced with the complex task of supporting through his words, deeds and actions the long-term vision of the Tulalip Tribes, the needs and security of our people, and the directives established by our Tribal Constitution and Council,” said Mel Sheldon, chairman for the Tulalip Tribes.

The announcement concluded a six-month search conducted by the Tulalip Police Department and the Tribe’s Board of Directors. Smith succeeds retired Police Chief Jay Goss, who stepped down in June 2007 after serving seven years in the position.

“Choosing Scott Smith for the Chief of Police position for the Tulalip Tribes included a tough line of questioning from the Tulalip Tribal Council,” said Marlin Fryberg Jr., board member and acting police chief. “Scott Smith’s law enforcement background certainly speaks for itself. However, we had to make sure that he would be the right fit for the community. After the second interview I felt very comfortable in our selection. Chief Smith is a top professional and I look forward to him taking our Tribal Police Department to the next level,” said Fryberg Jr.

The Tulalip Police Department provides police patrol services for the 22,000-acre Tulalip Reservation and Quil Ceda Village, and enforces fish and wildlife regulations in the Tribes’ usual and accustomed fishing and game management areas throughout Puget Sound. The department also provides emergency management services in cooperation with the state and nine other tribes, and supports Tribal Court with transport and bailiff services.

blog comments powered by Disqus