BONNERS FERRY — Jeremy Garrett has been promoted to assistant chief of the Bonners Ferry Police Department following the retirement of Marty Ryan.

At the Dec. 15 Bonners Ferry City Council meeting, BFPD Chief Brian Zimmerman announced Garrett’s promotion.

Ryan, who served as assistant chief for five years, retired on Dec. 1. The following day, Garrett was named to the position while still serving as school resource officer for Boundary County schools within city limits.

Zimmerman said Garrett was named assistant chief due to his years of experience at multiple different agencies.

“He’s a go-getter, just like the rest of our department,” Zimmerman said, adding Garrett did not receive the position by default.

“He is a natural leader and has been doing a great job since he joined our department in 2022. I couldn’t be happier that he came on board.” he said. “Garrett is the best fit as our lead investigator.” 

As assistant chief, Garrett works in a supervisory role and is the chief investigator over crimes that would be above patrol officers, such as violent and sexual crimes. Garrett has past detective experience.

Garrett's education history includes a bachelor's degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and a minor in psychology, as well as a master's in criminal justice executive leadership. Before coming to BFPD, he served as a sheriff’s deputy in South Carolina for nine and a half years, and served three years with the Pasco Police Department in Pasco, Wash.

Zimmerman has announced his retirement for the end of February. 

Garrett was freed from his SRO duties as of Monday, Jan. 15, after Officer Jason Trujillo, a former BFPD officer and Boundary County Sheriff’s deputy took over the role. Trujillo has prior SRO training. 

The council approved the hiring of the additional officer, Trujillo, which allows a month and a half overlap of eight officers until Zimmerman’s departure. 

The newly hired officer will relieve Garrett of the SRO duties, allowing Garrett to concentrate on investigations and administrative duties, Zimmerman said.