Filling a leadership role left vacant after Carl Kleinknecht’s retirement last year, Wendell J. Shirley was sworn in as the new assistant police chief in Bellevue on March 8. After retiring in 2019, the former officer of Santa Monica California Police Department came out of retirement to fill this position feeling that his successful community-building experience in California would be of great help.
According to the City of Bellevue, Chief Mylett said, “We had several highly qualified candidates for the assistant chief position. But it quickly became evident Chief Shirley had the experience and qualities that we were looking for.” He also noted the leadership roles Wendell Shirley embraced in both the police department and the community in California.
“I spent the bulk of my career helping build relationships between the police and the community,” Shirley said Monday, March 8, the day he was sworn in. “I pride myself on my track record of developing relationships based on trust, honesty and mutual respect. There’s certainly a lot of work to do, and I firmly believe my experience, training and passion will be valuable assets to Bellevue.”
Shirley, who retired in Santa Monica as Captain after 26 years of service, says he chose Bellevue after carefully researching the area and speaking with Chief Mylett. He then applauded the beauty of Bellevue and the excellence of the Police Department. He wanted his experience to be of value after watching the national protests over social justice and police reform last year.
One of Shirley’s strengths that is important to highlight is his passion for working with and mentoring our youth. Growing up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, he experienced the challenges that many young people and families face. This in-turn taught him the value of hard work and education. He wants his story to inspire others to reach their highest potential.
Shirley will oversee the Bellevue Police Operations Division.
