Othello selects Kittitas chief to head police department

Dunnagan a 26-year law enforcement veteran

OTHELLO — The city of Othello has again selected a new head of the city's police department, a central Washington native currently serving as the Kittitas police chief.

Steve Dunnagan was selected from a group of six applicants to head the department, which has most recently been led by interim Chief Jake Evans. Mayor Shannon McKay made the selection following two days of interviews last week.

Born in Ellensburg, Dunnagan spent much of his career in Alaska before going to work as the chief in Kittitas almost four years ago. He is a 26-year veteran of law enforcement and has worked in a number of departments and aspects of the profession as an Alaskan State Trooper, an organization he retired from as a lieutenant.

Dunnagan is married and has two children, and said he views the job as a great opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to it," Dunnagan said Monday, "I'm real excited about it and I think it's going to be a lot of fun and hard work."

He is right now tying up loose ends to make sure there is a smooth transition when he leaves the three-person Kittitas Police Department. He said there would be some adjustments in terms of moving to the Othello area, primarily just getting acclimated to the area and getting to know the people.

"The biggest thing is just going to get in there and dedicate my time to every aspect of the town and the department," Dunnagan said. "And we'll go from there."

McKay said Dunnagan was the choice of all three groups chosen to interview the candidates last week, including a community forum held with the three finalists. Dunnagan comes from a smaller department, but McKay said he likes the fact that he has experience in both small and big departments.

"He came from a big pond to a little pond, to now a little bigger pond," McKay said of his choice.

McKay said he thought Dunnagan was a good fit for the needs of the city and department. McKay also cited Dunnagan's knowledge of the area, in coming from a nearby place such as Kittitas.

Othello had been looking for a new permanent law enforcement head since Chief Ron Axtman resigned in July amid a period of unrest at the OPD. Evans had been contracted to lead the city through a transition period, and help with the selection of a permanent chief. The city initially selected former Fife Police Chief Rob DeGroot, but began advertising for the position again after DeGroot turned down the job last month. DeGroot declined the position, saying the needs of his family outweighed his own personal success.

Evans' contract with the city expired and he was needed elsewhere at the beginning of December, leaving OPD Lt. Bob Hampton in charge. Othello City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said Hampton would oversee the department until Dunnagan takes the reins.

Sheldon said the city is currently conducting a background check, and hopes to have Dunnagan begin his first day in Othello by mid-January. Sheldon is expecting the council to take action at their first meeting in January that will officially appoint Dunnagan to the post.

"I know the mayor's very excited about getting somebody on board, and getting leadership in the department," Sheldon said.