BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Bellingham’s Chief of Police has officially retired after 32 years of service.
Chief Flo Simon signed off for the last time on Wednesday, June 1st, ending an historic career with BPD.
Chief Simon was not only the first woman to achieve every leadership rank within the department, but was also the longest tenured member of BPD in recent history.
She began her career in Bellingham back in 1989.
During her time with BPD, she has served as a field training officer, a crisis negotiator, and a detective in the Special Divisions Unit.
Chief Simon also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2002.
Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood chose Chief Simon to lead the Police Department in January of 2021.
She has been replaced by incoming Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig, who previously served as the Police Chief of Stanwood.