UPDATED LETTER: Burien resident says he knows ‘the real story behind Ted Boe’s resignation’; Chief Boe responds

[EDITOR’S NOTE/UPDATE: Police Chief Boe issued a statement in response to John White’s Letter to the Editor, which is included at the end of it. The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by verified resident. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of South King Media, nor its staff.]

To the Editors of The B-Town Blog,

I am writing to provide clarity and context regarding the recent resignation of Ted Boe as the Police Chief of Burien. The circumstances surrounding his departure highlight a complex and challenging situation that deserves a thorough and objective examination.

The city of Burien has an interlocal agreement with the King County Sheriff’s Office, outsourcing its police services. Recently, the Burien City Council passed an ordinance restricting homeless camping in sensitive locations such as schools and daycare centers. However, King County leadership advised the police department not to enforce this new ordinance and instructed Chief Boe not to enforce the restrictions on tents.

This directive placed Chief Boe in a difficult position, caught between the command of the King County leaders and the directives of the Burien City Council. The conflict escalated when King County filed a lawsuit against the city of Burien over the ordinance, prompting a countersuit from Burien.

As the legal battle unfolded, Chief Boe was asked to testify. His testimony, perceived as opposing the city’s stance, led to a request for his resignation by the Burien City Manager. Despite the police officers rallying behind him, the situation had become untenable. Chief Boe’s position was compromised by the conflicting orders from King County and the city of Burien, leading to his difficult decision to resign.

This week, Chief Boe announced his resignation not only from his role in Burien but also from the King County Sheriff’s Office. He has since accepted a position as the Police Chief of Des Moines, a neighboring city. This move underscores the untenable position he was placed in by the conflicting commands from King County leaders, which ultimately forced him to make a tough career decision.

Chief Ted Boe’s resignation is a significant event, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers working under interlocal agreements. It is a reminder of the importance of clear and consistent directives to ensure effective governance and public safety.

Sincerely,
John White
Seahurst

Chief Boe Responds

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, Chief Boe responded to White’s Letter with this statement on Facebook:

“I respect anyone’s decision to write an editorial letter, but I want to be clear that I did not provide any information in support of this article and have not had any discussion with the author since my decision to resign from the KCSO (and as such from Burien). If I choose to make a statement at some point in the future, I will make it directly to the community and not through a third party. I truly wish Burien the best and have been honored to be your chief for the last 6 years. Be well- Ted”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have an opinion you’d like to share with our highly engaged local Readers? If so, please email your Letter to the Editor to scott@southkingmedia.com and, pending review and verification that you’re a real human being, we may publish it. Letter writers must use their full name, as well as provide an address and phone number (NOT for publication but for verification purposes). Read our updated Letter to the Editor policy here.