RATHDRUM — Kevin Fuhr believes he's found his final job before retirement.

Fuhr, Rathdrum's police chief for the past nine years, has accepted the police chief position in Moses Lake, Wash.

"I've got another six to seven years in me (before retirement), so my goal is to end my career there," Fuhr said.

Fuhr's last day on the job at Rathdrum is next Thursday. He'll start work at Moses Lake the next day.

He said it's a difficult decision to leave Rathdrum.

"The position I'm in now is fantastic and the city is in a great financial situation and growing," he said. "Things are going so well that it's really tough to think about leaving.

"But, when I look at all the pros and cons, it will be a good place for my family and a good step financially."

Moses Lake has 40 sworn officers, while Rathdrum has 14.

Fuhr, 49, will make $85,000 per year at Moses Lake and is making nearly $80,000 at Rathdrum.

"The big draw was getting back into the Washington retirement system," he said. "I'll be able to retire four to five years sooner there than if I'd stayed in Idaho."

Fuhr will return to work in central Washington. He worked for the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Othello south of Moses Lake for nearly 14 years before coming to Rathdrum.

Fuhr said he wasn't looking to find a new job, but jumped at the opportunity to apply after he was contacted about the position.

He said Moses Lake has more programs than Rathdrum, including a K-9 unit, SWAT team and motorcycle patrol.

"They've got a lot of different specialty positions," he said. "As chief, it's great to have those resources within your department. That was a huge draw."

Fuhr said he already knows some current and past employees at Moses Lake and has relationships in the community so it's a natural fit.

"It's a well-run department, so there's not going to be a lot to change," he said. "But I believe I've got some experience and skills that I can bring to their department."