New interim chief at Soap Lake police department

SOAP LAKE - The City of Soap Lake has hired an interim police chief.

Glenn Quantz has spent 28 years in law enforcement, including 17 years in Thurston County and 3 years in Mason County.

"He will be hired as an interim chief, but he does want to be the permanent chief," Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle said.

Quantz will replace Jim Dorris, who resigned June 2.

"He has an outstanding list of certifications and credentials, and what's most exciting is that he's committed to rebuilding the police department to the level of professionalism that the citizens of Soap Lake deserve," Gravelle said.

Quantz was sworn in yesterday, but is expected to be officially sworn in by the council July 18. Quantz has formerly  held the chief post in Grangeville, Idaho, for nearly three years.

Grangeville's population was 3,141 at the last census, compared to Soap Lake's  1,525 residents at the 2010 census.

"I have got positive feedback on him," Gravelle said. "The guy is a 6-foot-2-inch marathon runner, so that should give an idea of how he looks."

- Staff report