Canady to take the reins of Soap Lake PD

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council convened on Aug. 6, during a regular meeting and hired a new police chief, resulting in a 6-1 vote in favor of hiring long-term Ephrata Police Officer Patrick Canady.

Signing off

Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian retires after 33 years

MOSES LAKE — A 33-year era ended as Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian retired Friday. His tenure as firefighter and then chief was celebrated at a small party at the Moses Lake Civic Center. “Chief’s first day of work was April 20, 1992,” said MLFD CARES Coordinator Heather Kok. “The population of Moses Lake at that time was about 12,000 people. Today we're at 25,000, roughly. The jurisdiction for the Moses Lake Fire Department was nine square miles. Today it is 23-ish square miles … They had 14 career firefighters, which is roughly the amount of firefighters that we have on an average day today. The number of apparatus that they had at the time was one engine, one wildland truck (and) a command vehicle that was shared ... Today we have five engines, two ladders, three wildland vehicles, two tenders and a handful of special technology vehicles. And a lot of that has been done in the last five years. So congratulations, Chief. That’s a huge win for our crew.”

Local youth honored at upcoming Chief for a Day event

EPHRATA – What happens when Grant County children, who are battling significant medical challenges, are promised a day of fun and recognition? They become honorary Chiefs for a day on June 12, an exhilarating experience that leaves lasting smiles and cherished memories. “It’s all about giving the families and the children a memorable day where they can momentarily forget their medical challenges,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Grant Co. celebrates courage and community at Chief for a Day

EPHRATA — Laughter filled the air and smiles shone brightly Thursday as Grant County honored 11 exceptional children during the annual Chief for a Day celebration. “Seeing the excitement and happiness on their faces is heartwarming,” said Kyle Foreman, Public Information Officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Acting SLPD chief investigation discussed during city council

SOAP LAKE – At the Feb. 19 Soap Lake city council meeting, a public comment was made by Karen Dillon, a former City of Soap Lake employee. During her comment, Dillon brought up the Sept. 16, 2022, investigation of acting Soap Lake Police Department Chief Robert Geates during which he admitted to having sex on duty with a female trainee in 2021.

Soap Lake staffing up with new police chief, departmental staff

SOAP LAKE – During the Soap Lake city council meeting held Wednesday evening, the city officially swore in Patrick Canady as the new police chief for Soap Lake Police Department. The city also has a fully staffed Public Works Department, which allows for smoother operations.

Rehaume retiring as Othello PD chief

OTHELLO — Aaron Garza has been appointed as interim chief of the Othello Police Department, effective Nov. 30, when current Othello PD Chief Dave Rehaume retires. Rehaume announced his retirement Monday. Mayor-elect Ken Johnson said how the city will fill the permanent job is still to be determined.

SLPD loses two officers, receiving assistance from GCSO

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department currently has two officers, according to Acting Chief Robert Geates, him and one other officer. SLPD will be getting one lateral officer from Alaska after he completes his training. Geates also said he has one other officer “on background” and one officer in academy.

Warden seeks new police chief

Rick Martin set to retire June 15 after long service to community

WARDEN – The City of Warden is preparing for a transition in its Police Department as Chief Rick Martin announced his retirement effective June 15, 2025, at the April 22 city council meeting prompting the city to initiate the hiring process for his successor.

Moses Lake man arrested after Coulee City standoff

COULEE CITY — A Moses Lake man was arrested and booked in the Grant County Jail Monday on a felony warrant from Pasco. Kelly Joe Blackburn, 42, was found hiding at a house in Coulee City and refused to come out. Grant County Sheriff’s deputies found Blackburn at a residence in the 100 block of First Street in Coulee City, according to a GCSO media release. The Pasco Police Department had issued an arrest warrant on suspicion of rape. “A tip on Monday afternoon led deputies to the home,” the GCSO release said. Deputies acted on the tip at about 2 pm. Monday, but Blackburn refused to come out of the house. Deputies eventually found him at about 5 p.m., hiding in a pile of clothes in an upstairs bedroom, the release said.

SLPD swears in newest officer, hiring for police chief

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Department swore in its newest officer, Yuriy Bezzubenko at the Soap Lake City Council meeting Wednesday.

Warden hires interim police chief

WARDEN – The City of Warden has brought on interim police chief Juan Rodriguez from the Moses Lake Police Department after former Police Chief Rick Martin retired June 15. “The toughest thing is sitting and driving around and listening to Moses Lake, which has 25 calls on the board and sitting over here waiting to pull over a car,” Rodriguez said.

EPD highlights last year's achievements, plans for this year

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department made significant strides in officer training and technology this last year, according to Chief Erik Koch.

Despite recruiting efforts, WA law enforcement numbers still lowest in country

(The Center Square) – During the upcoming legislative session, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs will be pushing for legislation to deal with the state’s shortage of law enforcement officers

SLPD chief now 13 weeks on paid admin leave, investigation ongoing

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox was placed on paid administrative leave on Nov. 15, 2024, making it 13 weeks, today. Robert Geates has been the acting police chief since Cox was placed on leave. Mayor Peter Sharp confirmed an investigation was underway.

Warden swears in council member and updates 2025 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council completed one oath of office, discussed voter turnout and updated its 2025 budget at its regular council meeting Tuesday. The council decided to cancel the next meeting, which would be on Dec. 23. The council will return for its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 6, 2026.

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.

GCSO's Kriete elected VP of law enforcement association

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete has been elected vice president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. “I am honored to represent the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in this new capacity as Vice President,” Kriete said. “I look forward to working alongside my peers across the state to support law enforcement excellence and strengthen public safety in all our communities.”

Moses Lake city offices closed for Fuhr memorial

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department office will be closed Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday to allow MLPD officers and staff to attend the service for former Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr.

Ephrata PD achieves full staffing on paper, officers still being trained

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department Chief Erik Koch announced that the department is officially recognized as fully staffed, although he emphasized that this achievement comes with a caveat.