On April 10, 2025, the City of Snoqualmie terminated the employment of Police Chief Brian Lynch. While the City initially declined to comment publicly on the reasons for his dismissal, documents obtained through a public records request now provide insight into what led to that decision.
The documents begin with a February 3, 2025, email sent anonymously to city leadership by someone identifying as a Snoqualmie police officer. The message alleged that Chief Lynch’s leadership had created a toxic work environment, contributing to staff departures and making it difficult to recruit new officers. It further claimed that favoritism influenced promotions, and that Lynch had made inappropriate comments about and in front of employees. The email also described concerns about a promotion involving a former colleague of Lynch and alleged disparaging remarks about a North Bend City Council member. The sender requested anonymity and urged the City to evaluate Lynch’s performance and its impact on the department.
On that same date, City Administrator Mike Chambless issued a written notice to Chief Lynch stating that an administrative investigation had been opened under the City’s standards of conduct policy, specifically citing sections 7.1.3 (G), (L), and (S). The letter instructed Lynch to continue reporting to work and to participate in an interview with Human Resources, while maintaining confidentiality regarding the investigation.
A second letter, dated February 5, 2025, informed Lynch that new allegations of sexual harassment had arisen during the course of the investigation. Based on the seriousness of those allegations, the City placed Lynch on paid administrative leave, emphasizing that this was standard practice and did not imply any conclusions about his actions or intent, nor did it indicate any findings. That same day, the City also notified witnesses believed to have relevant information and instructed them to cooperate with the investigation, preserve records, and maintain confidentiality.
On February 6, 2025, the City issued an internal communication advising employees that Lynch had been placed on administrative leave and that Captain Gary Horejsi had been named Acting Chief of Police. The message, signed by City Administrator Chambless, stated that the City would not comment on the pending investigation but expressed confidence in the department’s continued service to the community.
By February 12, 2025, the City had retained an outside workplace investigator to independently review the allegations. According to a letter sent to Lynch on that date, the investigation would examine claims of workplace sexual harassment, unprofessional conduct, and poor performance of duties. Lynch was directed to participate in an interview, identify relevant records or witnesses, and maintain the confidentiality of the process. The City reiterated its prohibition against retaliation.
Separate letters sent on February 13, 2025, notified Captain Horejsi and Administrative Sergeant Jason Weiss that each was the subject of an additional complaint involving alleged inappropriate comments and other behavioral concerns. Both were instructed to participate in the investigation but were not placed on leave. The City stated that no findings had been made at that time.
On April 4, 2025, the outside investigator submitted an executive summary report to the City. The report concluded that Chief Lynch had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate workplace behavior, much of it involving comments and conduct of a sexual nature. While Lynch maintained that his remarks were intended as humor or camaraderie, the report found that the behavior was persistent, often unwelcome, and harmful to the work environment. Lynch acknowledged or did not dispute several of the specific incidents. The investigation also found partial support for allegations of favoritism in assignments and promotional decisions.
According to the summary, the Chief’s leadership style blurred professional boundaries, causing discomfort among staff. Witnesses reported avoiding interactions or physical spaces due to the nature of his behavior. The report further found that Lynch prioritized social interactions and informal activities over administrative responsibilities, especially following the hiring of a new Police Captain in 2024. The Chief’s conduct was determined to have violated City harassment policies and standards of professional conduct.
On April 8, 2025, the City issued a pre-disciplinary notice to Lynch. The letter cited sustained findings of serious misconduct, including behavior of a sexual nature, unprofessional communication, and failure to perform key duties as Chief. The City stated that any one of the issues could warrant discipline and that, taken together, they reflected a continued pattern of poor judgment incompatible with a leadership role. Lynch was given an opportunity to respond at a meeting scheduled for April 10 or to submit a written statement.
Later that day, following the pre-disciplinary process, the City finalized its decision. A formal letter of termination was issued on April 10, 2025. That same day, Mayor Katherine Ross notified city staff of the decision and confirmed that Captain Horejsi would serve as Interim Chief of Police.
On April 11, 2025, the City issued closure notices to both Captain Horejsi and Administrative Sergeant Weiss. After reviewing the findings, the City determined that no allegations were sustained against either individual, and no disciplinary action would be taken. The notices reminded both employees of expectations for professionalism and confidentiality and reiterated the City’s prohibition on retaliation.
Due to the explicit nature of some of the allegations outlined in the investigation, and out of respect for our hyper-local readership, Living Snoqualmie has chosen not to publish all details in this article. For those seeking further information, the executive summary of the investigation obtained through public records requests can be found here.
The City of Snoqualmie has not publicly commented beyond confirming the investigation and its outcome. The released documents outline the City’s process and rationale, but no criminal charges have been filed. As of April 2025, Captain Gary Horejsi continues to serve as Interim Chief while the City determines next steps for the permanent leadership of the Snoqualmie Police Department.
Comments
Reasonable objective study of the publcly available record suggests the rot extends further and there’s a lot more house cleaning to be done in Snoqualmie.