Othello PD names Garza assistant chief

OTHELLO — Othello Police Sergeant Aaron Garza was promoted to assistant chief of police and sworn in with a badge-pinning ceremony at the regular Othello City Council meeting Monday evening. 

Garza is filling the position of assistant chief after David Rehaume took over as chief of police earlier this year. 

Mayor Shawn Logan introduced Garza’s personal history after playing a slideshow of Garza’s time at the OPD. 

“Aaron was born in Othello and spent his entire childhood in our city,” Logan said. “After high school, Aaron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He spent four years as an infantryman and was deployed to Iraq in 2004. He was in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Aaron reached the rank of Sergeant during his time with the Marine Corps.”

Logan then detailed Garza’s professional experience.

“In 2006, Aaron was hired by the Othello Police Department,” Logan said. “Within the Othello Police Department, Aaron has held many positions. These positions include head firearms instructor since 2008, field training officer since 2008, agency detective from 2008 to 2011, he was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2011, accreditation manager since 2013, and school resource sergeant since 2020.”

Logan elaborated on Garza’s other qualities as well.

“Aside from his professional life, Aaron also holds a master's degree in business administration,” Logan said. “Aaron also contributes his success to his upbringing, specifically his parents’ devotion to their faith, and he continues in his faith, being a lifelong member of Bethel Assembly of God Church. Aaron is grateful to everyone who has supported him through the years.”

Rehaume shared a bit about his history with Garza.

“Aaron and I have been partners his entire career,” Rehaume said. “I'm very proud of him. He's a good man. I think we're gonna make a good team. I really appreciate all the work he's put into being with the department and all the lives that he's changed being with us. With that, I'd like to talk about the pinning ceremony that you're just about ready to see. It is an honor to wear the insignia, to wear the badge, but we always have to remember where we're coming from. In this case, he's coming from his family.”

Garza’s two sons Silas and Ezra pinned on Garza’s color insignias, while his wife of 19 years, Laurie Garza, pinned his badge. 

Garza spoke about his promotion during the ceremony, first saying he was surprised by how many people attended before thanking God and his wife for their support. Garza also thanked the Mayor and the council. 

“Thank you for having the confidence in me and appointing me to this position,” Garza said. “It really means a lot to me that you guys would have that confidence in me. Special thank you to Chief Rehaume. Just like he said, we've been working together for a long time. I see him as a mentor. And thank you for choosing me as your assistant chief. I've been doing this for close to 18 years now, and it's an absolute joy every single day.”

    Attendees of newly promoted Othello Assistant Chief of Police Aaron Garza’s swearing-in and badge-pinning ceremony Monday evening stand in the Othello City Hall lobby with Garza.
  

Garza spoke about his connection with Othello.

“It's an absolute honor to be a police officer for this city, especially with me being from here. I go out on the streets and I see the faces that I have seen my entire life. And it brings me joy,” he said. “I love this town. This is where I'm from. Othello is a piece of my identity. There's no other police department I'd rather work for than the Othello Police Department, and everybody knows it.”

Numerous Othello Police officers and staff were in attendance at the ceremony.

“Thank you guys for showing up. One thing I want to emphasize, the Chief and myself, we see you guys day in, day out, working hard. We see you guys. We notice you guys, and we're here for you guys,” Garza said. “For my role in this new position, I want to support Chief Rehaume and whatever strategy he has … He's a good man, and I stand behind him 100% and I hope I can bring good things to this department and support you all because you guys are on the front lines doing the job every single day...I have nothing but gratitude for each and every one of you for showing up.”

Wrapping up, Garza said he was touched by the support from the ceremony’s audience.

“I'm so very proud and honored to be the assistant chief for the Othello Police Department. Thank you.”

Gabriel Davis may be reached at gdavis@columbiabasinherald.com. Download the Columbia Basin Herald app on iOS and Android.

    Othello Police Department Chief of Police David Rehaume, sixth from the left, stands next to newly promoted Assistant Chief Aaron Garza, fifth from the right, with other officers and staff of the Othello PD in the Othello City Hall lobby Monday.