After over three decades as a law enforcement officer, John DeRousse has announced his retirement as Police Chief in Everett, Washington effective the last day of this month. DeRousse replaced Dan Templeman as Chief of Police in Everett, Washington on November 1, 2023. Here’s the statement released this morning by Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.
At the end of the year, Everett’s Chief of Police, John DeRousse, will be retiring from law enforcement after a 27-year long career with the Everett Police Department and 31 years total in policing. Chief DeRousse was appointed to the position in late 2023 after Chief Dan Templeman retired.
As Chief of Police, DeRousse focused heavily on advancing the department’s strategic use of technology and prioritizing meaningful community engagement, especially finding ways to connect with local youth. “Chief DeRousse has given nearly three decades of steadfast service to the people of Everett, and we are incredibly grateful,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “John’s dedication to innovation and community engagement will leave a lasting impact on our city as programs he helped create continue helping people for years to come. We wish him the very best as he transitions into this next chapter focused on family and new opportunities.”
DeRousse joined the Everett Police Department in 1998 after serving as a deputy for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department for four years. Over the past 27 years, DeRousse worked his way up the ranks, serving as an officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain before being promoted to deputy chief in 2018. As deputy chief, DeRousse led the Operations Division and Patrol work citywide. In addition, he has played major roles in several key initiatives like rebuilding the Child Abduction Response team, launching our Community Outreach and Engagement Team (COET) and rolling out the regionwide Violent Crime Reduction Unit.
“When I entered this career, I never could have imagined how far it would take me. It’s been an honor serving this community over the past 27 years as part of the Everett Police Department and I want to thank Mayor Franklin for the opportunity to close out my law enforcement career as Chief,” said Chief DeRousse. “I will miss working with the incredible team we have within the Everett Police Department and I’m grateful for our strong, experienced leadership, which will keep us steadily moving forward.”Post-retirement, Chief DeRousse will be joining a regional healthcare organization and looks forward to spending more time with his family.
Deputy Chief Goetz to be appointed as Chief of Police To lead the department through the next chapter,
Mayor Franklin is appointing Deputy Chief Robert Goetz to serve as chief of police. With more than 34 years of dedicated service to the Everett community, Deputy Chief Goetz brings unmatched institutional knowledge and a proven record of leadership across nearly every corner of the agency. “I’m incredibly grateful to Deputy Chief Goetz for accepting this appointment to serve as Everett’s new chief of police,” said Mayor Franklin. “
Robert brings decades of experience; strong relationships throughout the department and across the region; and a steady leadership style that reflects the values of our community. His willingness to step up and serve in this capacity during this period of transition speaks to his commitment to this department and the people of Everett.” Deputy Chief Goetz currently oversees the department’s Investigations and Services Bureau and has served in nearly every operational and administrative function during this tenure – including as administrative lieutenant with the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, patrol sergeant, detective with the Office of Professional Standards, school resource officer, public information officer, member of the Marine Unit and a longtime member of the department’s Honor Guard.
“It’s an honor to step into the role of chief and continue the strong legacy of integrity, professionalism and innovation built by Chiefs DeRousse, Templeman and the leaders before them,” said Deputy Chief Goetz. “Everett has an outstanding police department, and I remain committed to supporting our officers, staff and the Everett community as we move forward together.” Culture of leadership development – agencywide A crucial part of the Everett Police Department’s long-term success has been its comprehensive succession planning and strong internal culture emphasizing leadership development.
“Our commitment to strong public safety includes an emphasis on organizational stewardship, deliberately investing to cultivate leaders at every level of the department – providing training, mentoring and opportunities for officers and staff to grow into expanded roles,” said Mayor Franklin. “This preparation ensures the department is well-equipped to navigate leadership transitions smoothly and continue serving the community without disruption.” With this plan in place, the Everett Police Department is poised not only to maintain its strong performance but to keep building on that success in partnership with the community.
Deputy Chief Robert Goetz will be sworn in as chief of police at a City Council meeting in early January 2026.
Seen in Everett obtained a video DeRousse sent out to members of his department Sunday evening announcing his retirement and offering some heartfelt career advice.