BLAINE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The City of Blaine announced Thursday that it has appointed a new chief of police.
The city said in a news release that Rodger Funk has been offered the position after 28 years at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Funk began as a deputy sheriff in 1996 before moving up the ranks, most recently being promoted to chief inspector.
Blaine City Manager Michael Harmon says the city received 16 applicants from across the country. A panel of Blaine citizens, business owners, elected officials and city staff ultimately recommended that the city hire Funk.
Blaine began looking for a new police chief after former chief Donnell Tanksley was elected as Whatcom County Sheriff last November. Former lieutenant Michael Munden has been serving as interim chief in the months since Tanksley’s departure.
Funk told MyBellinghamNow that he’s lived most of his life in Whatcom County and calls the opportunity to be a chief of police here “fantastic.” His start date is dependent on contract approval from the Blaine City Council at its meeting on Monday, March 25.
