SEQUIM -— City Manager Steve Burkett today announced the appointment of Bill Dickinson, former SeaTac and Burien police chief, as Sequim’s new top law enforcment officer.
Dickinson, who will start Sept. 7 at $93,000 a year, has 39 years of experience in criminal justice.
His work experience ranges from the very smallest of police departments to Washington’s largest county sheriff’s office where he spent 10 years as the contract police chief of SeaTac and Burien.
Subsequently, he spent seven years as Tigard, Ore., police chief.
He is currently an investigations supervisor with the state of Washington and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Seattle University.
The new chief was selected from an initial pool of 60 applicants. Five finalists were interviewed in Sequim three nearly three weeks ago.
“Dickinson was clearly the best qualified and the best fit for Sequim based upon our interviews with the finalists conducted by city department heads and members of the Police Department,” Burkett said.
“Bill not only has the experience required to excel at the chief’s job in Sequim, but more importantly possesses leadership values and an approach to public service that is consistent with my values, standards, and expectations.
“I was amazed by the positive comments I received during my reference checking from others who have worked for and with Bill.
“He has definitely left a positive legacy in the other organizations he has served. Many of these comments came from city managers and police chiefs that I have worked with previously and whose judgment I trust and respect.
“Bill is respected as one of the top police chiefs in the state and we are fortunate to attract him to serve the residents of Sequim.”
Burkett said he was confident that he and Sequim Police Lt. Sheri Crain, one of the five police chief finalists and who has acted as police chief since former Chief Bob Spinks left July 2, after Burkett asked him to resign, will be compatible and professional.
Crain’s experience and knowledge of the department and community will complement Bill’s experience as a chief in several other cities, he said.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to join with the police and city staff to serve the city of Sequim,” Dickinson said.
“The Police Department has a very good reputation in the law enforcement community and I have seen that it enjoys excellent support from the community. Sequim is a beautiful city.
“It is an honor for me to cap my law enforcement career both living in and working for the city of Sequim.”
