As we near the end of the dedicated careers of Mayor Bloem, Councilman Kennedy and Councilwoman Goodlander, the Coeur d’Alene Police Association would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to them. We are deeply appreciative of their outstanding leadership, the compassion, and support they have shown our police officers during exceptional moments and times of great tragedy.

The Police Association wants to be clear in our statement of support for majority of the council’s decision to wait for the incoming mayor and council to choose a permanent Chief of Police. The Police Association had input on this decision and we agree completely with it. We have great respect for former Chief of Police Wayne Longo, and wish him well in his retirement. We have equal respect and admiration for current Chief Ron Clark, and are in no hurry to expedite the search for a permanent Chief of Police.

The Police Association has complete confidence in the City Administrator and newly elected leaders to fill all of the new department head positions in a time frame that works most effectively for the city. We hope this letter clears up any confusion on this matter.

COEUR d’ALENE

POLICE ASSOCIATION