Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris Announces Retirement
Published on August 12, 2025
Media Contact:
Angela Brown
Communications Program Coordinator
abrown@kirklandwa.gov
KIRKLAND, Wash. – After more than three decades in law enforcement and over nine years as Kirkland’s Chief of Police, Cherie Harris has announced her retirement, effective September 3, 2025.
“Chief Harris is recognized for strengthening community partnerships, advancing department accreditation, and contributing her expertise to state and regional public safety initiatives,” said Councilmember Penny Sweet. “Her leadership has made Kirkland safer, stronger, and more connected. We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and the legacy she leaves in both our Police Department and our community.”
Harris began her law enforcement career in 1993 at the Washington State University Police Department. She joined the Monroe Police Department in 1996, serving as a police officer, narcotics detective, field training officer, sergeant, operations commander, and deputy chief. In March 2012, Harris came to the Kirkland Police Department as the Professional Standards Captain, later serving as Operations Captain before being appointed Chief of Police in April 2016.
Under her leadership, Kirkland’s Police Department has grown to 159 personnel, including commissioned officers, professional staff, and the team operating the City’s 72-bed misdemeanor corrections facility.
In addition to her work in Kirkland, Harris has served as President of the Washington Chapter of the FBI National Academy Alumni Association, co-chair of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Corrections Committee, a member of the WASPC Accreditation Commission, and a voting representative to the King County Emergency Management Committee. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy #258, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
“Serving and protecting the Kirkland community has been a tremendous privilege,” said Harris. “I am incredibly proud of the team we’ve built, the relationships we’ve formed, and the progress we’ve made together. While I am excited for the next chapter in my life, I will deeply miss working alongside such dedicated professionals and serving this amazing community.”
City Manager Kurt Triplett has appointed Deputy Police Chief Michel St. Jean as interim chief upon Harris’s retirement. St. Jean has been with the Kirkland Police Department since 1998, serving in a wide range of leadership roles, including Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. His appointment will initially be for one year, with a search for a permanent Chief planned to begin in early 2026.
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