After a rigorous interview process, the city of Snoqualmie has selected Perry Phipps as the new chief of the Snoqualmie Police Department.

Phipps, who has worked in law enforcement in Visalia, Calif., since 1986, will be sworn in at the Jan. 10 city council meeting. He will take over the position from Interim Police Chief Jim Schaffer.

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson said Phipps brings a positive attitude to the position and will be a good fit for the local community and culture.

“One of the characteristics that struck me the most is he comes with an impressive background in terms of the experiences and challenges he has had and his relationships with the officers,” Larson said. “He’s come through all of that with a friendly, approachable, humble demeanor.”

In looking for a candidate for the position, Larson said the city went through a long process that started with more than 30 applicants, who were whittled down to six finalists. Community stakeholders were brought into the process to interview the candidates. North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing, Snoqualmie City Council members, police officers, city officials and community members were mixed into multiple groups to interview the candidates.

Based on the feedback from the groups of stakeholders, and information from the candidates’ extensive background checks, Larson chose Phipps for the position.

“He was one of the few of the candidates who struck us that he would be effective with the larger community and be respected by those he leads,” Larson said. “Someone who can inspire the best in others, in a small town like this, it’s a good quality.”

Phipps is moving to Snoqualmie from Visalia, Calif., where he was a police captain. In his career, Phipps served as an officer, sergeant, agent and lieutenant in Visalia. He graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in management and organizational development, and a master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies.

In a city press release, Larson said the city was thankful for the continued support and hard work from Jim Schaffer, who had previously retired as the city’s police chief in 2012 and returned to serve as the interim police chief while the city conducted interviews.

“We are most grateful to Jim Schaffer for stepping into the role of Interim Police Chief during the search for a new chief,” Larson said. “Jim served the Snoqualmie Police Department for 23 years prior to retirement. When the city needed his service and guidance during the transition, he stepped right in. We couldn’t be more thankful.”

Phipps will begin his work as Snoqualmie’s new police chief in the second week of January, Larson said.