Othello begins search for new police chief

OTHELLO - The City of Othello hired an outside consulting firm to help find a new police chief after former Chief Steve Dunnagan resigned last week.

Mayor Shawn Logan announced last week Dunnagan stepped down as chief after more than eight years with the department.

Logan said Tuesday Dunnagan decided it was time for something else after 35 years in law enforcement. Dunnagan previously served as chief for the Kittitas Police Department and as an Alaska State trooper for 17 years.

Sgt. David Rehaume will serve as interim chief until a replacement is hired. Rehaume is the longest-tenured member of the department and was recognized at Monday night's city council meeting for 25 years of service with the city, Logan said.

Logan said the city hired the Prothman Company consulting firm out of Issaquah to recruit a new chief, costing the city at least $15,500 as well as other possible expenses. The firm plans to meet with Logan and police staff to review the position.

The firm was also used by the city to hire City Administrator Wade Farris, who Logan said will assist Rehaume in the transition to interim chief.

"He's going to be challenged because he's still going to have some responsibilities as sergeant and also as police chief because we're a small department," Logan said.