Snoqualmie Police Chief Steve McCulley has retired from his position after four years. James Schaffer, former Snoqualmie chief of police from 2003 to 2012, will return to the department as interim chief while the city goes through the process to hire a permanent replacement.

At the Snoqualmie City Council meeting June 13, the council approved a separation agreement with McCulley and approved a professional services agreement with Schaffer.

In a statement released jointly by the city and McCulley, both parties said that McCulley feels his goals for the community and police department have been accomplished and he is retiring so that new leadership can advance the department.

According to Bob Larson, Snoqualmie city administrator, McCulley is using a block of built-up vacation time, effective now through mid-July, when he will officially separate from the department.

Larson also said McCulley’s departure had not been planned for.

“It wasn’t previously planned and it came up fairly suddenly,” he said.

Schaffer starts as interim chief Thursday, June 16. He was with the police department for 23 years before his retirement in 2012. He was hired in 1989 and was an officer, sergeant and captain before becoming the police chief in 2003.

“I know him as a very loyal and dedicated Valley resident and I am impressed and delighted that he is coming back as the interim chief,” Larson said of Schaffer.

Schaffer will be employed as a contractor, with an hourly rate roughly equal to McCulley’s, rather than as a salaried employee with benefits.

“We don’t deal with salary and benefits, it’s a contract and he is a consultant with an hourly rate and works x numbers of hours,” he said. “Roughly the equivalent, around $150,000 per year.”

The city is now beginning the hiring process for a new police chief, which will take approximately four to six months, Larson estimated.

“It’s a bit different strategy consistent with senior staff. We have had several retirements in the past couple years starting with Schaffer in 2012,” Larson said. “Most likely hire a search consultant to facilitate the process, involve the fire chief and involve community members, members of the council as panels and the (police) department would also be involved. It will be a well-rounded exercise.”