Police chief resigns amid controversy

OTHELLO — The City of Othello has started its search for a new police chief, following the resignation of Ron Axtman Friday.

Axtman's resignation was announced at Monday's meeting of the Othello City Council, where citizens had packed into council chambers to voice their support for the chief.

Axtman's resignation followed a few months of unrest at the OPD. A conflict resolution evaluation report received by the city council in May had been critical of the police department. The independent report looked into relationships within the department. The Othello Outlook newspaper has in the past few weeks also published a series of articles critical of Axtman's relationship with officers in Othello and at previous police departments he has worked.

An Othello Civil Service Commission report last month upheld the without-pay suspension of OPD Sgt. David Inks over the investigation of burglary and car prowling incidents last winter. The report also cited friction between Chief Axtman and Inks, recommending someone other than Axtman give future performance evaluations to Inks.

Othello City Administrator Ehman Sheldon recommended to the council Monday that members approve the expenditure of funds for an interim police chief, and the council unanimously approved a six-month window for the city to find a new permanent chief.

Sheldon said it wouldn't take very long to get an interim chief in, saying he expected to have the interim position filled as early as next week. The search for a permanent chief could take as long as six months, Sheldon said.

"I feel the department is just hungry for leadership," Sheldon said, "and we have an obligation to provide that for the rank and file, and that's what we're going to do."

Three people voiced their concern for the situation during public comment at Monday's meeting, one person calling the recent problems a "witch hunt." Another citizen who voiced concern about the situation was Ken Caylor, who said he felt OPD problems went deeper than Axtman. He said officials should have looked deeper into problems than they did.

"Whether Ron is right or wrong," Caylor said, " I think you need to look at both sides of the coin."

Before taking action on the council's agenda, Othello Mayor Jeannie Sanders praised Axtman as one of her best friends in Othello. Sanders recognized the packed house, calling it an honor to the former police chief.

"He does feel that it is the best decision for him right now," she said, "Thank you very much for your support for him."

The meeting was the last for Sanders, who will soon be moving to Spokane with her family and has resigned her post as mayor as part of the move.

Axtman did not attend Monday's meeting, but said Tuesday morning that the reasons behind his resignation were multi-faceted. Axtman could not explain further, citing issues of confidentiality.

"My decision to resign, as I've said, is multi-faceted, based on integrity and moral conviction," Axtman said, adding that he thought the decision was the best one for everyone involved.

Axtman said he believed there are some fantastic people at the city of Othello, and said he hoped the future of the police department would have a community policing flavor. Community members recently took part in a survey on community policing efforts, and a report is currently being compiled from that survey.

Axtman had been on medical leave prior to his resignation for a bad knee, and said Tuesday he didn't yet have any future plans.

"I'm just kind of letting the Lord lead me," Axtman said, "and I'm sure he'll give me direction."