Ferndale Adds Police Officer as City Has Grown Nearly 50%

FERNDALE, Wash. — The Ferndale Police Department announced this week that Randy Stevenson has officially joined the department as its newest police officer, adding to the city’s public safety staffing as Ferndale continues experiencing rapid population growth.

The department said Stevenson was sworn in earlier this week and will begin serving alongside Ferndale officers and staff.

We are excited to have him serve alongside us and our community.

— Ferndale Police Department

The hiring comes as Ferndale continues growing at one of the fastest rates in Whatcom County. Washington Office of Financial Management estimates show the city’s population increased from 11,415 residents in the 2010 Census to an estimated 17,020 residents in 2025, representing roughly 49% growth over 15 years.

More recent numbers also show continued momentum. Ferndale’s population rose from 15,048 residents in 2020 to 17,020 in 2025, an increase of nearly 2,000 residents and about 13% growth in five years.

The continued expansion has increased demand on city infrastructure, housing, transportation and public safety services as neighborhoods and commercial development continue growing along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Department Staffing, Statewide Recruitment Challenges

The Ferndale Police Department employs 26 commissioned officers across patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement and training assignments, according to current recruitment materials.

Ferndale’s staffing additions also come as law enforcement agencies across Washington continue facing recruitment and retention challenges. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs has repeatedly reported that Washington ranks last nationally in officers per capita.

The Ferndale Police Department did not immediately provide updated staffing or vacancy totals following Stevenson’s hiring announcement, but while other agencies struggle with recruitment, FPD continues to grow.

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