The City of Bainbridge Island Police Chief Matt Hamner submitted his letter of resignation today to City Manager Morgan Smith.
Chief Hamner has worked for the City since June 2013. His tenure included several important accomplishments, including completion of the department’s state accreditation process and an expanded emphasis on training and professional development for officers.
Smith expressed her appreciation for Chief Hamner’s leadership, saying “Chief Hamner has helped our Police Department achieve a new level of professionalism, while also enhancing the department’s connection with the community, and that is an important legacy that we will continue to build on. I am appreciative of his contributions during his time with the City of Bainbridge Island and I wish him success in his future work.”
Chief Hamner’s last official day with the City will be February 15, 2019. At that time, Deputy Chief Jeff Horn will be appointed as Interim Police Chief and will serve in that role until a replacement Police Chief is hired.
Deputy Chief Horn has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including more than four years at the City of Bainbridge Island.
The City will conduct a national search for the next Police Chief.