Othello officers sworn in, Dorow appointed mayor pro tem

OTHELLO — Monday’s regular Othello City Council meeting featured a ceremony for the promotion and oath of office for Othello Police Officers Bryan Jacobsen and Omar Ledesma respectively, as well as a motion to approve a new Mayor Pro Tempore.

Officer Jacobsen was promoted to the rank of patrol sergeant with the Othello Police Department. 

“One of the more enjoyable parts of being…the Mayor is to see our Othello Police Department raise up members of its own into leadership positions,” Logan said.

Logan spoke a bit about Jacobsen.

“Sgt. Jacobsen was hired by the Othello Police Department in May 2021,” Logan said. “He has worked as a patrol officer and most recently as a school resource officer. Sgt. Jacobsen currently serves as a patrol tactics instructor and the Othello Police Department’s defensive tactics instructor and the accreditation manager.”

“It is an absolute honor to be standing here,” Jacobsen said. “I’m super excited to take on this new role …This city has been absolutely amazing to me. Every day I get to show up here and I’m honored to get to serve such a nice city.”

Othello Chief of Police Dave Rehaume also spoke about Jacobsen.

“You always know where Bryan is going to stand, and he’s always going to stand behind us,” he said. “I appreciate you greatly.”

Logan then began the swearing-in ceremony for new Othello Officer Omar Ledesma, reading a brief biography and some of Ledesma’s comments.

“Officer Omar Ledesma was born in Othello and grew up in Mattawa. He lives in Othello with his fiancée and two children,” Logan said. “Becoming a police officer completes a lifelong dream (for Ledesma), and that it is in the city of its birth is such a bonus. He is excited to start his law enforcement career and plans on serving this community for a long time.”

“Officer Ledesma, welcome to the team,” Rehaume said. “At the academy … we were constantly getting reports about how you had such a positive attitude. I appreciate it, and look forward to having you around. Congratulations again.”

During the meeting, Logan called for nominations to appoint a council member to the next term for mayor pro tempore, who facilitates council business and meetings in the mayor’s absence. 

Council Member Gina Dorow was elected for one year by a 4-3 vote.

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

    Othello Mayor Shawn Logan, left, Othello Police Officer Bryan Jacobsen, middle, and Othello Chief of Police Dave Rehaume, right, conduct the ceremony for Jacobsen’s promotion to Patrol Sergeant during Monday’s Othello City Council Meeting.