Former interim police chief of Blaine dies after being struck by vehicle

Michael Knapp, Lynden’s interim police chief, died from injuries sustained after he was struck by a vehicle in Lynden on November 5. Knapp, who previously served as Blaine’s interim police chief, passed away at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on November 6, one day after the accident.

Knapp, 79, was struck by a maroon 1988 Chevrolet GMT-400 while crossing Fourth Street in Lynden shortly before 5:30 p.m. on November 5. The Chevrolet truck was being driven by a 19-year-old male, and was driving northbound on Fourth Street with its headlights turned off when it struck Knapp, according to Washington State Patrol.

Knapp was critically injured in the accident, and was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle to be treated for his injuries. The following day, he passed away surrounded by members of his family.

“Michael was a family man that touched many and will be sorely missed,” read a statement from Knapp’s family released by Harborview Medical Center. “He offered so much to his family, friends and community. Thank you for allowing us this private time to cherish his memories and life.”

Members of the Blaine community remembered Knapp as someone who made a positive difference and impacted many residents’ lives.

“Chief Knapp only worked at the city for a short period of time, but during that time, he had a significant impact,” said Blaine city manager Michael Jones. “He was a great chief and a really good man. My heart goes out to his family.”

Knapp served as interim chief of the Blaine Police Department from November 2017 through July 2018. Former city manager Dave Wilbrecht had approached Knapp with the job opportunity about one month prior to the retirement of longtime police chief Mike Haslip. Intrigued, Knapp came out of retirement to accept the offer. From 2005 to 2016, he had been the chief of police in Ferndale.

Previously, Knapp worked at other police departments in California. He began his career as a special agent at the FBI in 1971 and finished as deputy chief of the bureau’s senior executive service in Washington, D.C. in 1997. He was a former member of the California Bar Association and a U.S. Army veteran.

During his tenure with the Blaine Police Department, Knapp conducted an analysis of the department’s policies and practices. He helped restructure the department, which was then comprised of 11 commissioned officers and two full-time administrative staff. He established a hierarchy between operational staff members, promoting a handful of existing patrol officers to either lieutenant or sergeant interim positions.

Following a recommendation from Knapp, the department also transitioned to a new dispatch system, What-Comm 911, and received consulting services and technical assistance from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). WASPC’s Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program (LEMAP) provided guidance to the Blaine Police Department on implementing best practices.

The Blaine Police Department and the city of Blaine released a statement on November 7 remembering Knapp and his contributions to the local community. “In the nine months that he served as interim chief for the Blaine Police Department, he was able to transform our agency into a better, more open department,” read the statement. “He re-forged ties in our community and won over the hearts and minds of everyone who met him. His lasting impact on the police department will be felt for years to come.”

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 1 p.m. at Bellingham Christ the King Church, 4173 Meridian Street. It will also be live-streamed to Lynden Christ the King Church, and the public can show their support for chief Knapp at either location.