Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington will continue to lead the department in an interim capacity following his official retirement on Aug. 9, city officials announced Friday, July 25.
Washington, who publicly shared plans to retire last month, has agreed to temporarily stay on as Interim Police Chief while the City of Fremont conducts a national search for his successor. The competitive recruitment process is expected to launch in the coming weeks and take approximately three to four months.
City officials expressed appreciation for Washington’s willingness to remain at the helm during the transition, describing his continued service as key to maintaining stability within the department.
Washington’s retirement marks the end of a multi-decade career with the Fremont Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to become the city’s first Black police chief. He was appointed to the position in 2021, following the retirement of his predecessor, Kimberly Petersen.
As the city prepares to search for new leadership, city officials say that Washington’s interim tenure ensures operational continuity and community trust remain intact. No specific timeline has been announced for when a permanent chief will be named, but city staff say public input will likely play a role in the selection process.
Residents can follow updates on the recruitment process on the City of Fremont’s official website, fremont.gov.
