Ex-Arlington police chief new bureau chief for sheriff

The embattled former police chief in Arlington has accepted a new position as the bureau chief of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

The embattled former police chief in Arlington has accepted a new position as the bureau chief of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Nelson Beazley started working with Ty Trendary’s sheriff’s office July 28.

Beazley will serve as the Sheriff’s Office Bureau Chief of Operations, which includes patrol services for all precincts and contract cities.

Prior to his stint in Arlington, Beazley worked for 32 years with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department in California.  He started his career in patrol, and served as a field training officer, search and rescue team member, and worked in the Boating Enforcement Unit and Vice-Intelligence Unit.  Beazley also served as supervisor for patrol area property crimes, the training and crime prevention units, as well as watch commander, patrol area commander, community and youth services commander, and emergency services commander.  When he was promoted to captain, he oversaw the detective bureau and operations support bureau.

After retiring from FCSD, Beazley and his wife moved to Snohomish County to be closer to family in the Seattle area.

However, as Arlington police chief he ran into problems. He resigned suddenly May 20, and no explanation was given.

But a report done by the Matrix Consultant Group said there were prevalent problems with the police department under Beazley, including management, administration and communication. About 70 percent of the department’s 29 officers said they were dissatisfied with their jobs, citing lack of training and low morale.

Former Arlington Fire Chief Bruce Stedman has been promoted to Public Safety Director in an effort to clear up problems in the police department, along with staying in charge of the fire department.