SEQUIM — Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and community members, Mike Hill last week officially stepped into the role of Sequim’s new police chief.
Following Sheri Crain’s retirement last Thursday, Hill was sworn in on Friday, March 1 inside the Sequim Civic Center’s council chambers by acting deputy clerk Heather Robley.
Hill told the large crowd he’s honored to be named police chief and appreciative of the former police officers who welcomed him into the department, mentoring him along the way.
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“I owe (officers), the staff and community my gratitude, respect and support so we can continue our relentless pursuit of justice that Sequim P.D. is so proud of, and keep Sequim an excellent community,” he said.
Hill joined the Sequim Police Department in 1998 as a reserve police officer before being hired full-time in August 2001. He was named deputy chief in April 2021 under Crain.
Crain said that Hill being named chief felt like a full arc for her, as she was there for his first swearing in.
Crain was hired as an officer on Feb. 26, 1991, and named police chief in December 2016.
“Mike is the epitome of excellence,” Crain said. “He is the hardest working guy.
“We’re super blessed he’s chosen law enforcement and more importantly he’s chosen Sequim. Frankly he could be anywhere — he’s that good.”
Crain said she was the first full-time chief chosen internally from then-current city staff, and Hill is the second.
“That speaks to how hard we work internally to select, recruit and develop awesome talent,” she said. “We have a good group of folks here.
She added, “You guys are getting the real deal here.”
City Manager Matt Huish said he and city staff consulted the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and local law enforcement and first responder leadership about Hill becoming Sequim’s police chief.
He commended Hill’s extensive work history — from field training officer to k-9 officer to detective sergeant — in Sequim, his commitment to public safety, community policing, and his education and recent graduation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy in 2023.
His mother, Kathy Gresli, pinned Hill’s police chief badge on him as Hill said he felt it was appropriate as his dad pinned his officer badge on him when he was hired full-time in 2001. His partner, Detective Sgt. Kori Malone of the Port Angeles Police Department, pinned his sergeant and deputy chief badges.
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Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him at matthew.nash@sequimgazette.com.