LYNNWOOD, WA (July 25, 2023)-Mayor Christine Frizzell has selected Deputy Chief Cole Langdon to serve as Lynnwood's next Chief of Police after the retirement of Chief Jim Nelson at the end of this month. On Monday, July 24, Mayor Frizzell brought her formal appointment for City Council's final confirmation with resounding approval.  

"Cole Langdon leads with skill, knowledge, compassion and humility. He is a mentor and coach who is committed to walking alongside his colleagues, city employees, and community members. He takes pride in his community, family, and connections," said City of Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell. "He has the ability to engage with our diverse city and can partner and work collaboratively with a wide variety of people. Cole is well-respected by members of the police department, city staff, and the greater South County community. He has an informed vision of where our city is headed and how policing has and will continue to evolve to meet the challenges we face today and moving forward."    

Cole Langdon joined the Lynnwood Police Department as a college intern with the Police Cadet program in the summer of 1996. At twenty and a half years of age, he was hired as a police officer and sent to the academy. After graduating from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Langdon worked as a patrol officer for several years before transferring to the Traffic section. While there, Langdon served as a collision investigator and police motorcycle instructor. Langdon applied for and successfully transferred to the K-9 unit, where he worked with two cross-trained dogs, Tanner and Buddy. While in K-9, Langdon served as a master trainer for the Washington State Police Canine Association, training and certifying teams throughout the region. During that time, Langdon also served on a regional SWAT team as a team member and, ultimately as a squad leader.   

After 11 years with K-9, Langdon was promoted to sergeant. After supervising a patrol squad for several years, he transferred to the department's Community Health and Safety Section (CHSS), which works to address complex issues impacting the community through collaboration, education, and empowerment. From CHSS, Langdon was promoted to the rank of commander. Langdon commanded the Patrol division, which included Patrol, K-9, and Traffic sections, before transferring to the Administrative Services division. 

While in the Administrative Services division, Langdon managed department functions related to internal affairs, hiring, training, accreditation, volunteer coordination, and CHSS. Langdon was then appointed to the rank of deputy chief overseeing the Bureau of Field Operations, which includes the Patrol and Detention divisions. Langdon currently serves as the team commander for the North Sound Metro SWAT team, which provides service to 10 municipalities in the Seattle metropolitan area.  

Langdon holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Washington and is currently working towards his Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership through the University of San Diego.  

"To serve this wonderful community, while walking alongside a dedicated group of individuals dedicated to a life of public service is a privilege," said Langdon. "I am humbled to be afforded the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to continuing to try to make things better, help people, and build a stronger community."     

Current Deputy Chief Langdon's first day as Chief of Police is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1.