City of Mount Vernon hires new police chief

(MOUNT VERNON)- Mayor Donovan announced today that Selah Police Chief Daniel Christman has been named the next Chief of Police for the City of Mount Vernon.

Christman began his police career as a City of Bothel Police officer in 1997. His path has been marked by continued promotions with increasing levels of responsibility, culminating in his 2019 advancement to Police Chief for the City of Selah, according to a news release from the city.

Along the way, Christman has taken on additional roles outside of his departments, such as his participation with SMART Team assignments, Special Investigations Units, and examinations into officer involved use-of-force incidents.

“Chief Christman is well known in the law enforcement community because of his reputation for exercising sound judgment under pressure, managing and communicating to the public through sensitive events, and leading coordinated operations among multiple agencies,” Mayor Donovan said. “He is a leader among leaders in his field, and we are fortunate to have found someone of Chief Christman’s caliber.”

In Christman’s March 26th community forum with Mount Vernon residents, he spoke about his emphasis on community engagement, the importance of investing in the city where he works, and the efforts he will take toward building trust with all the city’s residents and communities.

Current Mount Vernon Police Chief Chris Cammock delayed his retirement while the City searched for a new police chief.

“Chief Cammock is one-of-a-kind,” Mayor Donovan said. “The monumental impact that he has made in his legacy efforts to improve this city, and the Department, won’t be forgotten.”

Chief Christman is expected to begin his employment with the City of Mount Vernon prior to the first week of June.