The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has named veteran law enforcement officer Michael Jewell as the agency’s new police chief, placing him at the helm of a statewide force responsible for protecting Washington’s fish, wildlife and natural resources at a time of growing demands and shrinking staffing levels.
Jewell, who was sworn in July 15, brings more than 26 years of law enforcement experience, including 24 years with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police. He succeeds Chief Steve Bear, who is retiring after leading the agency’s enforcement program since 2017.
“Mike brings a wealth of natural resource knowledge and an understanding of our agency’s mission and core values,” WDFW Director Kelly Susewind said. “The Enforcement Program is the centerpiece of conservation. I am confident Mike will meet those objectives with integrity and professionalism.”
Jewell said protecting Washington’s natural resources and ensuring public safety remain at the heart of the agency’s mission.
“We all have a connection to our natural world, in one way or another,” Jewell said. “Protecting wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on, as well as keeping people safe, are critical in maintaining Washington’s incredible quality of life we all enjoy. I am proud and humbled to be selected to lead the law enforcement professionals who help carry out this mission.”
Jewell joined WDFW Police in 2001 after serving as a police officer in Idaho. During his career, he has worked as a field training officer, instructor, sergeant and, since 2017, captain of the agency’s North Central Region. He holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management from Washington State University and a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia. In 2023, he completed the National Conservation Law Enforcement Leadership Academy and graduated from the FBI National Academy.
As chief, Jewell will oversee 186 employees, including 154 commissioned officers, who enforce fish and wildlife laws across Washington while responding to a wide range of public safety issues. Their responsibilities include investigating poaching, protecting endangered species and habitat, patrolling state and federal lands and waterways, assisting with search-and-rescue operations, responding to natural disasters such as wildfires and supporting local law enforcement agencies.
Jewell assumes leadership as the agency faces significant staffing challenges. Budget reductions approved by the Legislature eliminated 11 field officer positions in July, leaving the department with roughly the same number of officers it had three decades ago despite Washington’s population growing by approximately 50% since 1995.
