Pierce County police chief is retiring after 30 years in law enforcement
Eatonville Police Chief Jason LaLiberte is set to retire this month after 30 years in law enforcement.
“Chief LaLiberte faithfully served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for over 25 years before coming to Eatonville in April 2019 as our contracted Chief. In April 2022, he proudly became Eatonville’s Chief of Police,” according to the Eatonville Police Department in a Facebook post on Friday.
The post detailed LaLiberte’s previous law enforcement roles, including gang unit investigator, detective and detective sergeant, marine services unit member and SWAT operator/sniper. While leading the police department, LaLiberte has engaged with the community such as through his “Cop Joke Friday” videos.
LaLiberte told The News Tribune via email that he is proud to have worked with “some of the most amazing people in this world.”
“I have been truly fortunate to experience a career that has been both rewarding and fulfilling, serving with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and later as the Chief of the Eatonville Police Department,” he wrote. “Throughout these years, I will always cherish the relationships I have built. It is with humility that I acknowledge my successes have never been mine alone — they are the result of collaboration, trust, and the support of so many people along the way.”
LaLiberte said though he is stepping away from his role as chief of police, his respect for Eatonville and the people who serve it will not retire.
“My goal was to leave the Eatonville Police Department in a better place than where I found it. I feel confident I have accomplished this. Eatonville will always hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote.
It’s not clear who will lead the department after LaLiberte retires. He wrote that he had a plan, but that recently changed as the candidate and Mayor Emily McFadden could not reach an employment agreement.
Town Administrator Eric Phillips confirmed a successor has not been named, and did not have information on who will lead the department in the interim.
A farewell event for LaLiberte is scheduled for June 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eatonville Visitor’s Center, the post said.
