This article was updated July 25 to add more details provided by the City of Lynnwood.

The Lynnwood City Council Monday night confirmed Lynnwood Deputy Police Chief Cole Langdon to be the city’s next police chief.

“To serve this wonderful community, while walking alongside a dedicated group of individuals dedicated to a life of public service is a privilege,” said Langdon. “I am humbled to be afforded the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to continuing to try to make things better, help people, and build a stronger community.” Langdon’s first day as Chief of Police is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 1.

The vote was 6-0 with Councilmember Josh Binda abstaining. Langdon will replace current chief Jim Nelson, who announced his retirement in June 2023.

Langdon joined the Lynnwood Police Department as a college intern with the Police Cadet program in summer 1996. At age 20, he was hired as a police officer and sent to the academy. After graduating from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Langdon worked as a patrol officer for several years before transferring to the Traffic section. While there, Langdon served as a collision investigator and police motorcycle instructor. Langdon transferred to the K-9 unit, where he worked with two cross-trained dogs, Tanner and Buddy. While in K-9, Langdon served as a master trainer for the Washington State Police Canine Association, training and certifying teams throughout the region. During that time, Langdon also served on a regional SWAT team as a team member and as a squad leader.

After 11 years with K-9, Langdon was promoted to sergeant. After supervising a patrol squad, he transferred to the department’s Community Health and Safety section. From there, Langdon was promoted to the rank of commander. Langdon commanded the patrol division, which included patrol, K-9 and traffic sections before transferring to the administrative services division. There, Langdon managed department functions related to internal affairs, hiring, training, accreditation and volunteer coordination. Langdon was then appointed to the rank of deputy chief overseeing the bureau of field operations, which includes the patrol and detention divisions. 

Langdon serves as the team commander for the North Sound Metro SWAT team, which provides service to 10 municipalities in the Seattle metropolitan area. Langdon holds a bachelor of arts in Sociology from the University of Washington and is working toward a master of science in law enforcement and public safety leadership through the University of San Diego.

“Cole Langdon leads with skill, knowledge, compassion and humility,” said City of Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell. “He has the ability to engage with our diverse city and can partner and work collaboratively with a wide variety of people. Cole is well respected by members of the police department, city staff, and the greater South County community. He has an informed vision of where our city is headed and how policing has and will continue to evolve to meet the challenges we face today and moving forward.”