Retired Edmonds Police Chief Al Compaan was awarded “Life Member” status by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) at the group’s awards banquet Nov. 17.
Compaan retired Dec. 31, 2019 after 41 years with the Edmonds Police Department, including 12 years as chief.
According to the WASCP website, a Life Member is an individual who has rendered outstanding service to the organization and “who has distinguished themselves by deed or act on behalf of the objectives or principle of this organization.”
Compaan was nominated for the award by the police chiefs of Kennewick and Des Moines, and the Clallam County and Chelan County sheriffs.
Among the accomplishments noted were Compaan’s efforts to recruit and hire over 60% of EPD’s combined commissioned and support staff, with a particular focus making EPD more diverse; his facilitation of developing a renewed EPD mission statement and statement of core values; his work with elected officials and staff on consolidation of two 911 centers into a single Snohomish County-wide center; and his participation in various leadership roles, including service as president of the Snohomish County Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association. as an executive board member of both the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) and the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, and board president for Victim Support Services, a non-profit that provides peer support and advocacy for victims of crime.
“I am humbled, honored and grateful for the opportunity to have served in the law enforcement profession for over 41 years,” Compaan said. “I am so grateful to the men and women of the Edmonds Police Department who supported me during my 12-plus years as their chief. I am proud of each of them.”
Well deserved, Chief!
Recognition for Al that is very definitely well-earned. Al built a police force that the citizens of Edmonds are very proud of.
Chief Compaan was a significant leader in Edmonds and throughout Washington State. His values and leadership served our city well and he mentored Chief Bennett during her cadet years in Edmonds. We were fortunate to have him serve our city and we are also fortunate to have him as an active citizen during his retirement.
A professional police officer possessing the highest degree of compassion and integrity. Al epitomized the term servant leader. Congratulations Al on a well deserved honor!
Chief Compaan is a law enforcement leader of the highest caliber. Respected by law enforcement professionals from across Washington State, he is well known for his integrity, kindness, intelligence and unwavering dedication to both the Edmonds community and the Edmonds Police Department. His legacy as a leader, mentor and friend is second to none.
Congratulations Al, on well deserved recognition from your peers! Thank you very much for your 42 years of service to the city of Edmonds, dedication to the officers of the EPD, and building to the highest quality standard of law enforcement here.
Congratulations Chief Compaan, and very well deserved. Your devotion to duty and service to our community is much appreciated and will be long remembered.
Chief Compaan was a terrific leader in Edmonds. Super respect.
Chief Campaan always had time to talk with citizens and show them how important good police work can help a community. His service to Edmonds was a model of a dedicated leader.
This is well deserved recognition for a leader who contributed so much to our city over a 40+ year career. He has earned the admiration of his colleagues from around the State for his dedication to his career. Our city benefited by his professionalism in more ways than we can count. We’ve benefited even more from his compassion and commitment to people. Well done Al!
Chief Compaan;
Thank you for your years of Service and for your tireless dedication to the Edmonds community and to the Seniors. You were always willing to “dig in” and help with scooping ice cream of flipping burgers at our events!
Thank you.
Al Compaan, congratulations upon your retirement. You have truly deserved it.
My late husband Al Clark was always telling people
‘What a great police chief we have’ he was So right.
Joan Clark
So many well-meaning and truthful statements accompany this news– I cannot embellish with any further good words– a great man, a great leader, and member of our community.
All the best to Al in his well-earned retirement.
Congratulations Chief Compaan and thank you for your inspirational leadership that has created a foundation for exceptional law enforcement for our Edmonds community.