FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Ferndale has sworn in an interim police chief while it continues the search for a permanent replacement.

Former Lt. Matt Huffman began his first day as the Ferndale Police Department’s temporary leader on Monday, Dec. 9. He returns to the force after retiring in 2023 following 26 years with the department.

It comes after Ferndale’s former police chief Kevin Turner announced his resignation in October following more than seven years with the city. Turner began his new position as Burlington’s chief of police on Dec. 2.

Ferndale has since contracted the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police (WASPC) to help recruit a new chief.

The city is taking applications until Jan. 13, 2025.