Soap Lake welcomes new police chief

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department officially welcomed its new chief, Patrick Canady, who was sworn in at City Hall on Monday morning at 9 a.m.  

Participating in the ceremony were Sharp and several city officials, who expressed their excitement about Canady's arrival and the fresh perspectives he brings.  

"It's a relief to have a permanent chief in place," said Sharp. "The city owes a great debt of gratitude to acting Chief Geates, who held the department together for nearly a year. Now, with Chief Canady onboard, I see a clear path forward.” 

Canady comes to Soap Lake with an extensive background in law enforcement, having spent over 26 years with the Ephrata Police Department after starting his career in undercover security.  

“I have experience with payroll and running a business because I worked in private security for Safeway and Albertsons,” he said. “I learned how to handle a lot of the administrative work in that job.”  

His experience also includes positions in the private sector and leading security teams for major retailers. He said he also has experience training field training officers.  

“I'm excited about the opportunity to serve in a community that is close to my heart,” Canady said. “I believe in building strong relationships with the community, and that starts by getting out and talking with the citizens we serve.” 

Canady said he pledges to foster a sense of trust and collaboration between the police department and the community.  

"We need to get our officers out of their cars and into the community,” he said. “It’s incredibly important that we move away from an 'us vs. them' mentality and demonstrate that we're part of the community, too." 

Sharp echoed Canady's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of strong community relations.  

"We are all here to serve the people of Soap Lake," he said. “It's important for our citizens to feel connected to the people who protect them. Chief Canady's approach will help solidify that bond.” 

One of Canady’s primary goals is to reduce overtime costs in the department while efficiently addressing local public safety concerns. He acknowledged that crime rates, including vandalism and graffiti, will be priorities.  

“Addressing tagging and deteriorating neighborhoods, and all of the abandoned cars, is part of our plan,” he said. “We know that it didn't get this way overnight, and it won't be fixed overnight either. It's a matter of consistent and creative engagement.” 

Canady said he intends to involve the community in discussions surrounding public safety, including holding open forums where residents can voice concerns. He also said the department has an open-door policy. He said residents can stop by anytime with concerns or compliments.  

“This is their town,” he said. “We want to hear from them and understand what they need. Whether it's through house invitations or community events, we need to ensure that we're listening to the voices of the people.” 

In what he calls an important first step, Canady, alongside the City of Soap Lake, plans to hold a meet-and-greet barbecue event later this month, inviting residents to share a meal and engage directly with him and other city officials.  

“We want to encourage community interaction,” Sharp said. “These kinds of events offer an opportunity for residents to connect with their police department and have their questions answered in a relaxed environment.” 

Canady also aims to harness the department’s local connections.  

“Living in the town where you work makes all the difference,” he said. “I have been in this area for a while and the relationships I have with many of the residents will only help as we work together to improve our community.” 

He said his philosophy while taking on this role is "leading by example."

“I want the guys to live with the idea that if they wouldn’t do it in front of their mom, they probably shouldn’t do it at all,” Canady said.  

As the sun set on his first day, the new chief made it clear that he is wholeheartedly committed to moving Soap Lake forward.  

"I'm looking to improve this department and gain the respect of the community while making it a better place for everyone involved,” he said. “We're just getting started.” 

    Patrick Canady, right, was sworn in as Soap Lake Police Department’s new chief Monday morning by Mayor Peter Sharp, left. Sharp said he is excited to have a permanent chief in place and looks forward to the work Canady will do.
  

    The full Soap Lake Police Department. From left to right are Soap Lake Police officers Mikal Bias, Robert Geates, Chief Patrick Canady and officer Yuriy Bezzubenko. Soap Lake PD has one officer in the police academy, Tyler Smith, who will be joining the department soon.