Othello seeks police chief again

Public meets new candidates in forum Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

OTHELLO — The residents of Othello will again get the chance to meet the finalists for the chief's job at the Othello Police Department.

The city will be holding a community forum as part of the interview process from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Othello City Hall for residents to meet the three candidates.

This will be the second forum in a selection of the new chief. The city held a community forum in October, part of a two-day chief selection process. Former Fife police Chief Rob DeGroot was selected but declined the job, saying the needs of his family outweighed his own personal success.

The city has been looking for a permanent police chief since Ron Axtman resigned in July. Interim chief Jake Evans had been at the helm of the police department since August, but his contract was up Dec. 1 and he was needed elsewhere. Lt. Bob Hampton is the current ranking officer.

The city has advertised statewide for the position, and City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said the city will continue to advertise until it is filled.

— Staff report