Othello swears in police sergeant, three new officers

OTHELLO — The city of Othello swore in three new police officers and promoted one current officer to sergeant at a regular city council meeting Monday evening, May 8.

Police Chief Phil Schenck said the hiring’s bring the Othello Police Department one officer and a part-time dispatcher away from being fully staffed.

“We are ecstatic to get these officers on board,” Schenck said. “These are lateral moves, we’ll be quick to get them going.”

Sean Anderson, a nine-year veteran of the Othello Police, was formally promoted to the position of sergeant after serving as a patrol officer, detective, and school resource officer.

“I gave myself three years. It was small community, and I wasn’t sure I’d like it,” he told the city council. “I love it.”

Anderson, 36, said he loves it so much he bought a house and even some chickens, and hopes to spend the rest of his life in Othello.

Joining the Othello Police are Brittney Morice, 26; Jason Warford, 49; and Steven Perez, 28 — all experienced police officers.

“This community is amazing,” said Morice, who added she applied to the job in Othello because of the city’s solid support for members of the Army National Guard. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Warford, who has worked in law enforcement for 15 years both in Indiana and South Dakota, said he was most impressed by the sheer number of laws Washington has, and the progressive nature of life in Washington.

“There are more laws here than what I am used to,” he said. “I want to be a good representative of the city of Othello. You can rely on me to do my job both on and off duty.”

Steven Perez, a native of the Pullman area, said that he has a passion for gang interdiction and working with young people.

“I want to be a fair cop and a good cop,” Perez said. “I want to make a good name for myself and do well here.”