Mayor Laurie Gere has issued this statement, "The City of Anacortes and the Anacortes Police Department are fortunate to have a strong internal candidate, Captain John Small, who is capable and prepared to transition to Police Chief. Captain Small has my support, the support of the Anacortes Public Safety Council Committee and the City Council Personnel Committee, in addition to City staff and police department support."
The mayor's statement added that in mid-March a stakeholder group of city council members, school officials, local business representatives, community members, administrative staff, wil join the Mayor in meeting with Captain Small to discuss his vision and transition plan for the department.
Mayor Gere said, "Following City Council confirmation Captain Small will transition to Chief on April 1, 2017."