Police Chief Steve Sutton retires from Lake Forest Park police

Chief Sutton
Photo courtesy City of LFP

Police Chief Steve Sutton began his law enforcement career as a Washington State Trooper in 1988. 

After more than 25 years of service with WSP, rising to the rank of Captain, he was appointed as Lake Forest Park Chief of Police in March 2013. 

Chief Sutton’s communication with citizens has brought unmatched transparency to the community and improved trust in the Police Department.

This was recognized when he received LFP GOV Watch’s award for Communicator of the Year in 2016. (see article).

Chief Sutton has implemented his plan for building communication with Lake Forest Park residents deliberately, consistently, and successfully for their individual benefit and the welfare of the entire community.

He paid particular attention to Block Watch captains, communicating with them on a regular basis.

Rotary President Kae Peterson with Chief Sutton
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

As an active member of the Lake Forest Park Rotary, he served in various leadership positions, including program chair.

Rotary president Kae Peterson said of him,

"The vision of his staff is to make LFP the safest city around. With only eight complaints in 1,200 contacts, that vision is practically accomplished. In 255 physical arrests, only ten involved use of force. 

"Burglaries have gone down by more than 50% in the past five years. Cooperation with Shoreline, Kenmore, Bothell, and Kirkland definitely helps. 

"We can be proud of our police force in keeping LFP residents safe."

Chief Sutton and "Chief" Ethan Hennig
Photo courtesy LFP Police

He led the department in their participation with the Special Olympics, as they raised funds with their annual Salmon BBQ, and participated in the torch run. 

He personally accompanied the chosen child every year as the department participated in the Chief for a Day program. 

His department participated in the Shop with a Cop event, helping kids buy Christmas presents for their families.

Chief Sutton is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and was successful in the development and sustainment of a modern, professional police department. 

Steve Sutton
Photo courtesy
City of LFP

The Chief has garnered enormous respect from the regional law enforcement community and Lake Forest Park community as a whole.

During the city luncheon in his honor on July 11, 2019, Chief Sutton signed off on the radio for the last time.

The City of Lake Forest Park and the Lake Forest Park Police Department are incredibly grateful for his leadership and work within our community.