By Chris Hendrickson, Monitor
It was only in February that Sultan watched their new chief of police, Rob Beidler, be sworn in as they bid farewell to former chief Jeff Brand. Now it's time to do that all over again.
Sultan City Council welcomed their second new police chief of 2013, Lt. Monte Beaton, last Thursday at Sultan City Hall. Lt. Beaton will replace Beidler, who is leaving to join the new sheriff appointee, Ty Trenary, at the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office in Everett.
Beidler's transfer is a continuation of the domino-like changes stemming from County Executive Aaron Reardon's resignation which became effective May 31. Former Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick was appointed as the new executive on June 3, after which Snohomish County Council unanimously approved the appointment of 25-year law enforcement veteran Trenary as the new sheriff, which they announced on July 1.
As sheriff, Trenary is able to appoint his own command staff, and has selected Beidler to be a part of his team, thus necessitating the appointment of a new chief of police for Sultan.
And Beaton was ready for a new challenge.
Recently promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, Beaton has over 10 years with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, serving for the last 4 1/2 years in the town of Darrington as the chief of police. He began his career in law enforcement in 1991 at the Lynnwood Police Department.
Beidler introduced Lt. Beaton to the mayor and council, explaining that Beaton's recent promotion was opportune.
"To be in this position you have to have the rank of lieutenant, so the timing was perfect,GÇ¥ said Beidler.
Beaton described his history of police work in a letter of interest submitted to Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick and council on July 15.
"I have 22 years in law enforcement and in that time have been a patrol officer, a motor officer, a detective in collision investigation, a supervisor of patrol operations and a contract chief of police,GÇ¥ wrote Beaton. "I firmly believe that my leadership abilities and drive to serve will be beneficial to you and the citizens of Sultan.GÇ¥
Beaton addressed council, handing out informational packets which included his resume and several letters of recommendation.
"I do get involved in what's going on,GÇ¥ said Beaton. "It's very important to me that the town is safe and that the sheriff's office is represented for the folks here in the east county.GÇ¥
Born and raised in Skagit County, Beaton lives in Arlington with his wife where he is active in the community as a volunteer coach for Arlington's Youth Football Association, a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is the father of six children, three of whom have grown up and are living on their own, with three younger children remaining at home.
He has served on the Darrington School District's safety committee, among several other committees and coalitions designed to both keep kids safe as well as fight drug and alcohol abuse among youth.
Daniel Rankin, the mayor of Darrington, offered a letter of recommendation advocating for the new chief.
"From the start, Sgt. Beaton has embraced our community and his role of sergeant with enthusiasm and as a professional, going above and beyond the call of duty,GÇ¥ wrote Rankin. "Our community has experienced many rewards from Sgt. Beaton's watch, and our council is well informed on the Sheriff's activities. He has assembled a team of deputies that work fantastically in our area, taking on all aspects of police work in an isolated mountain community.GÇ¥
Chief Beidler confirmed that Beaton has been deeply invested in the Darrington community and has done good work there.
"They are very sad to see him go,GÇ¥ said Beidler.
Beaton stated that he is looking forward to taking on his new role as Sultan's Chief of Police.
"I'll be doing my best,GÇ¥ said Beaton. "I literally feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve you folks.GÇ¥
Lt. Beaton's first official day of work will be Monday, Aug. 5.
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