After eight months as interim Chief of the Seattle Police Department, Sue Rahr is stepping down, bringing an end to a transformative chapter for the department.

Shon Barnes will head a department challenged by its last chief's firing, allegations of discrimination, staffing shortages and the vestiges of federal oversight.

Shon Barnes, who most recently was the police chief in Madison, Wisconsin, will begin moving into the office on Thursday. Rahr's memo said there will be "some type of welcome/reception in City Hall" on Friday, though she added that planning is still underway.

Sue Rahr’s interim role as Seattle Police Chief winds down this week as the city prepares to welcome Mayor Bruce Harrell’s nominee Shon Barnes, chief of police in Madison, WI, as the new head of the agency.