Darin Rasmussen hired as new WWU police chief

Western Washington University has hired Darin Rasmussen as its new Director of Public Safety/University Chief of Police. His appointment is effective today, April 9.

Richard Van Den Hul, vice president for Business and Financial Affairs at Western, said he was pleased to hire someone with Rasmussen’s experience and qualifications.

“I’m excited to announce Darin’s appointment as Director of Public Safety/University Chief of Police. Darin is an excellent law enforcement professional and strong leader for all of Public Safety. Importantly, he also understands the vital role Public Safety plays in serving students and the university community,” Van Den Hul said.

Rasmussen, who was hired following a national search, has been interim chief since last September and also served as assistant chief. He succeeds Randy Stegmeier, who left Western to take the position of manager of security for the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority in Seattle.

“Joining Western’s leadership team is a great opportunity to serve such a vibrant campus. I am honored to continue serving in this role with the highly professional officers and staff of the Department of Public Safety to provide a safe, secure and accessible environment for the entire Western community. Western and the Bellingham community are a great fit for me and my family,” Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen has a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command in 2007. He served with the Marysville Police Department for over 22 years, including as lieutenant, detective sergeant and accreditation manager.

At the Marysville Police Department, Rasmussen’s accomplishments included reorganizing the Marysville Volunteer Program to focus on crime prevention; collaborating with the Marysville Community Coalition, Marysville School District and city offices to present a series of community forums focused on safety and emergency preparedness; and developing and implementing a Burglary Strike Team. He also served as an adjunct faculty member for Everett Community College from 2001 through 2008, teaching subjects such as Professional Development, Police Patrol Operations and Criminal Investigations. He has received numerous awards and recognitions.

The Director of Public Safety/University Chief of Police reports to the vice president for Business and Financial Affairs and manages the department’s operations, including University Police, Parking Services, the Lockshop and Sustainable Transportation.