Bodman identified as deputy involved in crash

The Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Office deputy involved in the collision with a bicyclist on May 23 in Spokane Valley has been identified as Joe Bodman.  

Bodman, who served on the Post Falls City Council from 1998 to 2010, has about 25 years of experience in law enforcement.

During the collision at Sprague and Vista in Spokane Valley, a juvenile male was struck. The male was in critical condition before improving to stable.

Witnesses told investigators that the bicyclist rode out in front of Bodman when Bodman had a green light. Bodman, who was on duty at the time, is on paid administrative leave, pending the investigation.

Bodman began his career as a reserve police officer with Spokane Police  in 1985.  Bodman worked as a reserve officer until he was hired with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in 1989.

While with the KCSO, Bodman was a field training officer for four years and a K-9 handler for six years. Bodman worked at the patrol capacity his entire career until he transferred to Spokane County in 2002.

Since he has been employed with Spokane County, Bodman has continued to work as a patrol deputy and has been a field training officer for eight years. 

Bodman was recently selected to be an emergency vehicle operations course instructor.