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Chief Harden and Mayor French at the Pack The Park event. Photo by Chief Harden.
Being a police chief in a small town can be quite difficult, given limited resources, staffing issues, and the need to engage closely with the community. The role often requires wearing many hats and navigating local politics, which can add to the job's complexity.
Pictured left to right: Svetlana Kirilova (RCR), Kelly Vedders (Records), Chief Harden, Det. Czebotar, Det. Teschlog, Diane Hwang (Blue Hero Project), K9 Ofc. Coleman, Cmdr. Adams, Ofc. Montague, Sgt. Gross, Ofc. Johnson, Ofc. Hansen (not seen), Cmdr. Zanella. Photo by author.Among his many attributes, Chief Harden has always made himself available to the public and the media, giving hours of his time to discussions that many police chiefs would be adverse to or not make time for. This sense of commitment has also resulted in the city's residents benefiting greatly from the meticulous care the department exercises in selecting officers to serve you.
Gone are the days of the warrior cop I grew up with in LFP (although I definitely got more breaks than I deserved). A shift in law enforcement from warrior to guardian has occurred across most of the country, and the LFP Police Department excels at this. It takes an average of 30 applicants per new or lateral officer hire, and the process for each candidate takes many months and tons of meticulous effort. It's a full-time job just processing candidates, but the workload has to be absorbed by senior officers, who are already handling their normal duties. The same officers who, on any given day, may have a major event occur in the city that also demands extra attention.
Participating in the police department's citizen police academy will really provide a window to the amazing work this department does on continually dwindling budgets. I asked Chief Harden the following, and his reply follows:
- What can you share with respect to the decision to retire?
- Is the current political climate part of the equation?
- You mentioned teaching is a possibility. Would that be public education, law enforcement-related, or something else?
- Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Chief Harden: First, this is something I’ve been planning for quite some time. Throughout my career, I’ve always set goals for myself, and I feel very confident that I’ve accomplished what I set out to do both in the profession and in the role of leading a police organization. After several years as Chief, I’m proud to be leaving a truly outstanding department with strong leadership in place. I’m stepping away on a high note, which was always important to me.
Policing, especially in a leadership role, can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride and I’ve experienced that fully over the years. I’ve reached a point where it feels like the right time to step off that ride and begin a new chapter in life.
The current political climate has certainly had an impact. The last several years have been extremely stressful for those in this profession. That said, I’ve always worked hard to remain balanced and neutral, focusing on what matters most, keeping our community safe, and making reasonable, thoughtful decisions. While those broader dynamics are part of the environment, my decision ultimately comes down to timing and personal goals.
As for what’s next, I would consider teaching in a law enforcement capacity, particularly working with new officers at the academy. Mentoring the next generation is something I find meaningful.
At the same time, my true passion is technology. Over the past 20 years, I’ve been deeply involved in the hardware and software side of policing, building systems, troubleshooting, implementing new tools, and helping guide our department through evolving technology. It’s something I genuinely enjoy and take pride in. With the rapid growth of areas like AI and other emerging technologies, I see a real opportunity to stay connected to the law enforcement field through IT-related work.
As for final thoughts, the community has been incredible in its support of our police department, and I truly hope that continues. At the same time, the city will need to take a hard look at its financial outlook and plan carefully for the future. For too long, the city has been operating at a bare minimum, which places a significant strain on staff and limits the ability to move important projects forward. As those financial discussions continue, I hope the community understands that quality services (like police and public works) require sustainable funding to operate effectively. My hope is that the city is able to find a path forward that keeps Lake Forest Park safe, strong, and healthy.
At the end of the day, I feel very good about this decision. I’m leaving after working with incredible people, leading a great organization, and accomplishing what I set out to do. I’m in a good place, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Chief
Chief Mike Harden
Lake Forest Park Police Department
Chief Harden being recognized by the Blue Hero Project. Photo by author.City's Announcement:
Chief of Police Michael L. Harden Announces Retirement
Lake Forest Park News
Posted on March 27, 2026
Contact: Phillip Hill, City Administrator 206-368-5440 | phill@cityoflfp.gov
City of Lake Forest Park Chief of Police Michael L. Harden Announces Retirement
LAKE FOREST PARK, Wash. — Chief of Police Michael L. Harden has announced his retirement from the Lake Forest Park Police Department effective June 1, 2026. Chief Harden has served as Chief of the department since 2019 and more than 30 years in law enforcement.
In a letter to the Mayor and City Administrator, Harden stated “This decision has not come easily. My love for this city, this community, and this profession runs deep. Leaving is truly heart-wrenching. It has been an honor to serve in the law enforcement community for over 30 years, including my early years with the West Covina Police Department, and even before that as a young Police Explorer from ages 12 to 15. This profession has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I will always carry it with pride. I hope my next chapter still has components of staying engaged in some capacity with the law enforcement community, either through technology or through teaching.”
City Administrator Hill noted “Chief Harden is an example of what every community looks for in their chief of police. He truly understands and cares for this community, and has built an outstanding police department, admired by many surrounding communities. He is a friend and colleague, and I will truly miss working with him.”
Mayor French reflected on Chief Harden’s 25-years of service to the city, commenting “Chief Harden is truly part of this community. He embodies the values of Lake Forest Park, and that shows in the work of his command staff and officers. Chief Harden’s commitment to community policing has made him a familiar face in the community, supporting Rotary, participating in the polar bear plunge, safety days, the fun run and Shop with a Cop. Chief Harden leaves a great legacy, and the city has and will continue to benefit from his dedicated service.”
