The Newcastle City Council welcomed new Police Chief Mandela at the Nov. 4 meeting. Mandela, who said he served about 18 years with the King County Sheriff's Office with much of his time in Burien, said he looks forward to community engagement and continuing outreach efforts similar to those led by outgoing Chief Kajahiro.

Mayor Clark and several council members thanked Chief Kajahiro for his service and welcomed Mandela to Newcastle, noting the importance of community outreach and continuity in the police leadership role. Mandela said he was raised in a family of first responders, that he appreciated the warm community reception, and that his contact information is available online.