Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler has appointed Scott Behrbaum as the city’s new police chief.

“I am excited to appoint Scott as our community’s next police chief,” Butler said. “I admire the fairness and integrity that he brings to every situation. Moreover, his dedication to community policing – as demonstrated through his service to Issaquah over the past two decades is a tremendous asset,” Butler said in his appointment message on March 21.”

The Issaquah City Council is scheduled to vote on Behrbaums’ confirmation at its April 7 meeting. If confirmed, Behrbaum will succeed outgoing Chief Paul Ayers, who will retire April 15 after leading the department for seven years.

Behrbaum has more than 18 years of service with the Issaquah Police Department. He has served as a patrol commander for the last six years in a variety of Issaquah Police Department roles, including patrol sergeant, crime prevention officer, narcotics officer and finally as the agency’s first school resource officer at Issaquah High School.

Along with a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington, Behrbaum also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah, and serves on the Executive Board of the FBI National Academy Associates Washington Chapter.

Issaquah has a combined commissioned staff of 63 personnel.

“I am honored by Mayor Butler’s appointment, and I’m excited for what the future holds both for our department and the city,” Behrbaum said. “I am committed to leading a responsive, approachable and collaborative department that is rooted in safety and service to our community.”

Several internal candidates were interviewed by four separate panels representing city staff and community members, who then provided input to the mayor.