EVERETT, Wash., November 2, 2023—Deputy Chief John DeRousse was sworn in as the new Police Chief for the Everett Police Department during the City Council Meeting on Monday succeeding Dan Templeman who announced his retirement on September 27.

“I’ve seen John’s leadership in action over the last several years and have been genuinely impressed,” said Cassie Franklin, mayor of the City of Everett. “He is well-prepared to take the helm of this department and fill this vital role in our city.”

DeRousse joined the Everett Police Department in 1998 after serving as a deputy for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department for four years. Over the past 25 years, DeRousse worked his way up the ranks, serving as an officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain before being promoted to deputy chief in 2018. As deputy chief, DeRousse led our Operations Division and Patrol work citywide. In addition, he has played major roles in several key initiatives like rebuilding the Child Abduction Response team, launching our Community Outreach and Engagement Team (COET) and rolling out the regionwide Violent Crime Reduction Unit. 

In addition to his experience, DeRousse also has an extensive amount of training and education, including master’s degrees in criminology and Homeland Security Science, certification in executive leadership from the FBI National Academy and more. 

“John knows this community and our community knows and trusts him. He will be able to follow in Chief Templeman’s footsteps, leading by example and ensuring the Everett Police Department remains one of the best, if not the best, departments in the state,” said Mayor Franklin. 

“Being appointed Chief of Police is a great honor and I want to thank Mayor Franklin as well as our police department and our community for trusting me with this responsibility,” said Chief John DeRousse. “I intend to work hard to live up to the example set for me by Chief Templeman and look forward to serving our Everett community in this new capacity.”

Because of the community-based nature of this position, Mayor Franklin involved several key stakeholders in her interview process, including members of the City’s Youth Advisory Board and the Chief’s Community Advisory Board. 

SOURCE: Everett Police Department with addition of Templeman by the Lynnwood Times.