FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new police chief is headed to Ferndale.

The City of Ferndale announced on Monday, April 7 that it’s chosen Sean O’Laughlin to head its police force. O’Laughlin is currently the deputy chief of police at Eastern Washington University.

He also serves as an executive officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve where he oversees a 105-person unit

The city noted O’Laughlin’s diverse background in military service, crisis management and law enforcement as a major draw in his selection.

He’ll replace Kevin Turner, who resigned last fall after eight years with the city to take the same job in Burlington.

The city says former Lt. Matt Huffman will continue to serve as interim chief through the end of June before O’Laughlin takes over on July 2.