Summary

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer on Wednesday asked County Executive Dow Constantine to declare a day in early September “Chief Carmen Best Day” in honor of her retirement.

Story

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer is asking County Executive Dow Constantine to declare a day in early September “Chief Carmen Best Day” in honor of her retirement. The request was officially made in a letter (copied below) sent to Constantine Wednesday afternoon.

"Carmen Best is more than the police chief of our county's largest city, " said Councilmember von Reichbauer.  "She has been a regional leader who has also been a trailblazer as an African-American woman in law enforcement."

Councilmember von Reichbauer will also introduce a King County Council recognition that honors Chief Best's 28 years of service to the Seattle Police Department and the city of Seattle.

“Chief Best was instrumental in working with King County and my committee (Government Accountability and Oversight) to enhance the police presence around the King County Courthouse to protect staff, visitors and jurors. Chief Best recognized the need for those frequenting the center of our judicial system to feel safe, and I appreciate the help she provided.”

###

Copy of letter addressed to County Executive Dow Constantine sent earlier this afternoon.

Dear Dow:

I am writing to request that in honor of her retirement, September 2, 2020 (or other appropriate day around her retirement) be declared "Chief Carmen Best Day" in King County.

In her 28 year career serving the largest city in King County, Chief Best worked her way up through the ranks of the Seattle Police Department to become the first Black woman to head the department.  While at the Department, Chief Best was tasked with helping to implement federally mandated reforms to address excessive force and biased policing, and she worked hard to cultivate relationships with communities of color.  

As Chief, she was also instrumental in working with King County and my committee (Government Accountability and Oversight) to enhance the police presence around the King County Courthouse to protect staff, visitors and jurors.  Chief Best recognized the need for those frequenting the center of our judicial system to feel safe, and I appreciate the help she provided.

With her retirement, the region is losing a strong, public proponent of diversity and representation in both the community and the police department, and I believe the least we can do is to recognize her for her 28 years of dedication to Seattle and King County.   

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer