Days After School Shooting, Madison Police Chief Leaving for Seattle

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Madison’s police chief is leaving to be the top cop in Seattle. The announcement was made just a few days after the tragic school shooting on Monday. 

Shon Barnes has been selected to lead the police department in Seattle, Washington. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell made the announcement on Friday. 

This process had been underway for months, and Harrell was supposed to announce Barnes’ selection Tuesday. Instead, he waited in light of the Abundant Life school shooting.

“We all saw firsthand what our team has known since we began this recruitment process – that Chief Barnes possesses the impressive leadership capabilities, compassionate approach, and dedication to effective police work needed to continue moving our Police Department forward,” Harrell said in a statement. 

In his four-year tenure, this was at least the third time Barnes had applied for a big law enforcement job outside Madison. 

“My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation, and resilience,” Barnes said in the statement from the Seattle mayor’s office. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Seattle Police Department to uphold these core values.”

Madison’s Police and Fire Commission will now have to start looking for the city’s 31st police chief.