Bainbridge announces resignation of police chief

Interim City Manager Morgan Smith announced the resignation of Police Chief Jon Fehlman in a surprise announcement Tuesday.

The announcement came as the city was preparing to release an investigation into alleged misdeeds made by Fehlman that were raised by the Bainbridge Island Police Guild following their June vote of "no confidence" in the chief.

Fehlman had been chief since 2009.

“Police Chief Jon Fehlman has decided to resign from the City effective Saturday, Sept. 15," Smith said in a statement.

"The terms of a separation agreement will be presented to the city council tomorrow night. The city wishes Jon the best in his future endeavors and thanks him for his service to the city," Smith added.

“As we look ahead, I think it will be important to understand the full range of issues and challenges impacting our police department. For that reason, I will be asking the city council to resume their consideration of a police management study in order to conduct a comprehensive review of the department, and to develop specific recommendations for the city to implement.

"I think the results of this study are needed to inform our search for a new police chief, and to continue our work to improve the department. Following Jon’s resignation, Larry Dickerson will remain in his current role as Interim Public Safety Director, and will continue to provide day-to-day management for the department,” Smith said.

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