Twisp Mayor Hans Smith hired recently retired Winthrop Marshal Doug Johnson to serve as interim police chief in Twisp.
Johnson, who served as Winthrop Marshall from 2018-2023, has been living in Spokane but returns to the valley regularly, according to Smith’s statement. He was sworn in by the mayor following the meeting and his acceptance of the position on Feb. 19.
“We both share an outlook of optimism that Twisp will succeed in revitalizing its police department, but it may take us a little time to re-orient our program under new leadership,” Smith said in a statement, posted on the town’s website.
Smith said Johnson was recommended by other law enforcement agencies familiar with him and Twisp’s needs. Johnson will physically be in Twisp beginning in early March, as they both have pre-arranged travel plans in late February. In the meantime, Johnson will handle administrative matters while the town continues to contract with the Okanogan Count Sheriff’s Office.
Here is the full text of the mayor’s announcement:
Dear Citizens of Twisp –
I am pleased to announce that on February 19, 2025, I met with the most recent retired Marshal from the Winthrop Marshals Office, Mr. Doug Johnson, and he accepted an offer to act as the interim Chief of Police in Twisp, effective immediately. Many will remember Chief Johnson from his tenure as the Winthrop Marshal from 2018 to 2023. Since retiring in 2023, Chief Johnson has been living in Spokane, although he often returns to the Methow Valley to visit friends. Chief Johnson did professional police work for almost thirty years, and he is very familiar with Twisp and the Methow Valley law enforcement community.
After dismissing the previous Chief of Police last week, I contacted Chief Johnson about the potential for interim employment based on recommendations from other law enforcement agencies familiar with his capabilities and Twisp’s needs. Chief Johnson indicated that he remains deeply fond of the Methow Valley and that he would be willing to help stabilize the Twisp Police Department as an interim administrator.
Upon his acceptance of the Police Chief position, I swore Chief Johnson into duty, effective immediately. However, given the short notice of this appointment, Chief Johnson will not be physically working in Twisp until early March, as both he and the Mayor have pre-arranged travel plans in late February. Chief Johnson’s immediate focus will be mostly administrative, and Twisp will continue to utilize contracted services from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office to cover police services for the time being.
I plan to continue to brief the community about staffing progress being made in the Twisp Police Department as things progress under Chief Johnson’s tenure. We both share an outlook of optimism that Twisp will succeed in revitalizing its police department, but it may take us a little time to re-orient our program under new leadership. Please join me in welcoming Chief Johnson back to the Methow Valley. I greatly appreciate his willingness to be of assistance to Twisp in this time of need.
Sincerely,
Mayor Hans Smith
