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Chief arrested

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Services (NWFRS) chief Mike Campbell was arrested on October 8 on suspicion he raped a young girl while he served as the Point Roberts fire chief.

“He was contacted after we had reason to believe we had a credible report,” said Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant Jeff Parks. Parks said the child, who lives outside the jurisdiction, first disclosed the alleged rape to a counselor. The assault is alleged to have occurred in 1999 when the girl was 13-years-old and was on an extended visit to Campbell’s Point Roberts home.

After an initial interview with police October 7, Campbell’s attorney contacted police October 8 and said her client would not make any further statements. He was booked into jail and released on his own recognizance. “We don’t believe there’s any risk to the public or a flight risk,” Parks said. He is scheduled to be arraigned October 25 on charges of second degree child molestation and second degree rape of a child.

NWFRS Captain Jim Rutherford said Campbell had been placed on administrative leave and the district was operating normally under his and deputy chief Robert Hamstra’s administration. “We’re still responding to calls, training, supporting the city, building a fire station, all of it,” he said..

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