Mattawa Police hiring officers, accepting reserves
Rachal Pinkerton Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 1 month AGO
Courtesy photo/Mattawa Police Department This is one of the pictures that the Mattawa Police Department is using to help recruit new officers.
MATTAWA — The Mattawa Police Department is hiring, was the report given by Police Chief Joe Harris at a regular Mattawa City Council meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5.
“We’re trying to think outside the box,” Harris said. “We’re trying to tailor a program to people who we want to be here. I tell people, ‘I can teach a monkey how to be a cop. I can’t teach character. That’s what you bring to the table.’”
“Be the change, make the difference” is the theme for the recruiting campaign. Harris credited Norma Avalos, the Mattawa Police Department administrative assistant, with coming up with the slogan. He also said that she personally purchased a photo editing program to use with the campaign.
“Some big props to her,” Harris said.
The police department is mainly sharing the information via Facebook. As of Thursday, the social media post had 97 shares, 322 likes and 24,625 views. Harris said that so far, they had 15 applicants instead of the normal two or three.
“The more people we have to fill the pool, the better the hire,” Harris said. “I will not make a bad hire.”
In addition hiring new officers, Harris is reinstating the police reserve program. During the meeting, council approved Harris’ request for the program.
“We have a couple of individuals who are interested in reserving for us,” Harris said. “We have the same criteria for reserve as hired.”
Reserve police officers are volunteers who help out the police force and allows individuals to find out what law enforcement is like. Volunteers must have lawful permanent residence in the US and meet all the requirements of a full time police officer.
Harris also reported that so far, the new SRO position at the Wahluke School District is going well. Mattawa Police Officer Alex Zesati has stepped into the role.
“Alex has already been able to make an impact,” Harris said.
Zesati will be going to SRO specific training in July in the Tri-Cities. He will be joined by Mattawa Police Officer Kevin Koker, who will be the school district’s second full time SRO. Koker isn’t scheduled to start until the 2020-2021 school year. Harris is hiring to replace the two officers.
ARTICLES BY RACHAL PINKERTON STAFF WRITER
Wahluke Junior High Robotics team to compete at state
MATTAWA – One Wahluke Junior High robotics team has secured a spot in the state robotics tournament. Coach Eduardo Martinez thinks that three of his other teams will also make it to state.
PDC receives second complaint against Othello School District
OTHELLO — Another complaint against the Othello School District was filed with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). The alleged violation is for the misuse of public facilities to support an election campaign.
Othello looking for donations for annual Christmas baskets
OTHELLO — About 45 years ago, four volunteer firefighters decided to make Christmas food and gift baskets and give them to seven families who needed some extra help. The next year, they gave baskets to more families. In the years since, the Othello Community Christmas Baskets has become a city-wide event with various groups raising money, food, warm clothes and toys for Othello families in need.