After 27 years with the Everett Police Department, Chief John DeRousse has announced his retirement from the position he has held since 2023, when former Chief Dan Templeman retired.
Deputy Chief Robert Goetz will replace DeRousse following appointment by Mayor Cassie Franklin. Goetz has been serving the community for 34 years. The police department says his varied knowledge and institutional leadership will be an asset in his new role.
“Chief DeRousse has given nearly three decades of steadfast service to the people of Everett, and we are incredibly grateful,” Mayor Franklin said. “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.”
Goetz will reportedly be sworn in by early January 2026. Most recently, he has been overseeing the department’s Investigations and Services Bureau, appointed to serve as deputy police chief in July of this year.
Previously, Goetz has served in multiple roles throughout his career, according to EPD. He worked as administrative lieutenant with the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, providing regional coordination for narcotics investigations.
His experience includes serving as patrol sergeant, supervising officers responding to calls and managing shift operations. He also worked as detective with the Office of Professional Standards, investigating complaints and misconduct allegations.
Goetz served as school resource officer, building relationships with students and staff at Everett schools. He also filled the public information officer role, managing media relations and communicating with the public during critical incidents.
Additionally, he served as member of the Marine Unit, patrolling waterways and responding to maritime emergencies. He also participated in the department’s Honor Guard, representing the department at ceremonial events and fallen officer memorials.
DeRousse’s two-year tenure as chief followed Templeman’s retirement in 2023. His relatively brief time in the top position came after decades rising through department ranks.
The transition to Goetz maintains continuity within department leadership. His deputy chief experience means he already understands current operations, initiatives, and challenges facing the department.
The January 2026 swearing-in timeline allows for transition planning between DeRousse and Goetz. Outgoing and incoming chiefs can coordinate on pending matters, budget priorities, and strategic initiatives.
The 34-year career Goetz brings to the chief position provides deep institutional knowledge. He has witnessed department evolution through multiple administrations and changing community needs.
His administrative experience with the Regional Drug Task Force demonstrates ability to coordinate across jurisdictions. Chiefs increasingly need skills managing partnerships with county, state, and federal agencies.
The patrol sergeant experience grounds Goetz in frontline policing realities. Chiefs who have supervised patrol operations understand challenges officers face and can make informed policy decisions.
His Office of Professional Standards detective work means Goetz understands internal accountability mechanisms. Chiefs must balance supporting officers while ensuring misconduct is appropriately investigated and addressed.
School resource officer experience provides perspective on community policing and youth engagement. Building trust with young people represents investment in long-term community-police relations.
Public information officer experience will serve Goetz well as chief, a position requiring frequent media interaction. Chiefs must communicate effectively during crises and explain department actions to the public.
Marine Unit membership demonstrates versatility and specialized skills. Everett’s waterfront location makes maritime law enforcement an important department function.
Honor Guard participation reflects commitment to tradition and ceremony. Chiefs represent the department at formal events requiring diplomatic skills and respect for protocols.
Mayor Franklin’s appointment authority means Goetz did not face competitive selection against external candidates. The internal promotion suggests confidence in existing department leadership.
DeRousse’s focus on family and new opportunities indicates retirement rather than career change to another agency. Chiefs often retire after reaching pension eligibility rather than continuing in high-stress positions.
The innovation and community engagement programs Franklin credited to DeRousse will continue under Goetz’s leadership. Successful chiefs build sustainable initiatives that outlast their tenures.
