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Ferndale Police Chief leaves for Burlington, city searching for replacement

Kevin Turner spent 8 years leading the department. Matt Huffman will be interim chief

By Sophia Gates Staff Reporter

The search is on to replace former Ferndale Police Chief Kevin Turner, who left the post after eight years last week to lead Burlington’s police department. 

In the interim, Ferndale is bringing back a former lieutenant to take on the role. Matt Huffman spent 26 years with the department before he retired last year. 

Interim Ferndale Police Chief Matt Huffman

A city news release praised Huffman as “an exceptional leader in the department, contributing significantly to the success and growth of the organization.” 

Huffman’s first day on the job will be Dec. 9. 

The city is contracting with the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs to find a permanent replacement. 

In an October note to staff, Turner wrote leaving “was not an easy decision, as this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

Sophia Gates covers rural Whatcom and Skagit counties. She is a Washington State Murrow Fellow whose work is underwritten by taxpayers and available outside CDN's paywall. Reach her at sophiagates@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 131.

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