Brigit Clary can drop the “interim” from her title. Today City Manager John Amundson announced that he had appointed Clary to be Richland’s police chief. Clary became the interim chief after the previous chief John Bruce resigned on January 28, 2022.
Clary will be the eleventh police chief and first female chief in Richland’s history
In a press release today, Amundson said, “I have been very pleased with Brigit’s leadership and guidance in the handling of recent high-profile events in our community.” The shooting at Fred Meyer and the accident on George Washington Way that killed three people occurred after Clary began leading the police department.
Clary, who has been a police officer for 24 years, rose through the ranks starting as a provisional officer in Ellensburg, WA. She then joined the Port of Seattle Police Department before taking a lateral transfer to the Federal Way Police Department. She joined the Richland Police Department (RPD) in 2017.
“I am proud to accept the role as Police Chief for Richland and I want to thank Jon for the trust placed in me,” Clary stated. She also said she looked forward to meeting more people in the community.
According to the release, the RPD has 120 staff, including Commissioned Officers, Benton County Emergency Services, SECOMM Emergency Dispatchers, and Code Enforcement.
The appointment is effective immediately.