Othello selects chief

DeGroot selected over 32 applicants

OTHELLO — Othello has selected a new man to be in charge of its public safety.

Rob DeGroot has been selected by Othello Mayor Pro-Tem Shannon McKay as the city's permanent police chief.

DeGroot has 19 years of law enforcement experience, including as the chief of the Fife Police Department and as undersheriff with the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. He is currently working as special projects manager for domestic security operations at Microsoft.

He holds a bachelor's degree in organizational psycology and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, the F.B.I. State Command College abnd the Southern Police Institute Small Agency Command Staff Development Course.

DeGroot beat out 32 other applicants for the job to be selected by McKay, in concurrence with other city council members. Citizens of Othello met DeGroot and two other candidates at a community forum last week, part of two days of interviews for the three finalists.

In a news release from the City of Othello, McKay indicated that DeGroot was a good fit for the needs of the city and OPD.

Interim Chief Jake Evans has been at the helm of the OPD since July when former chief Ron Axtman resigned. Evans has been contracted through Dec. 1 to oversee the department through a transition period.

The release stated that DeGroot is expected to take reins at the OPD in December, subject to his confirmation by the Othello City Council next month.

— Staff report