RATHDRUM — Every year, Rathdrum Police Chief Tomi McLean helps manage the crowds at the Rathdrum Days parade and feels inspired all over again at the sight of local first responders serving her community.  

This year, she’ll be serving the city as the grand marshal for Saturday's parade. 

“I like to be throwing candy and watching my honor guard coming down the street. It's a proud moment. With the honor guard and firefighters, they look pretty sharp,” McLean said. 

McLean has been with Rathdrum Police Department for 30 years and became the city’s first female police chief in 2016. 

Nominations for the parade grand marshal are drawn from both community and chamber members. Rathdrum Chamber Executive Director Ashley Cameron said McLean’s nomination was met with unanimous approval. 

“There were multiple nominations for her this year, and everyone had such wonderful things to say,” Cameron said. 

McLean said she would rather turn the spotlight back on the community, but she’s thankful for the nomination. 

“I'm not the type of person who likes to be recognized. I'd rather be a doer and not seen, but I'm honored they picked me,” McLean said.  

McLean is on the Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council and acts as North Idaho's representative on the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association.    

Outside law enforcement, she spends much of her free time at horse shows and is the vice president of the Shoshone Rangers Saddle Club. McLean also coaches youth basketball in Shoshone County. 

The parade’s small-town feel is the biggest draw for McLean.  

“Everybody knows everybody,” McLean said. “It's nice when you go down the route for the parade and you know the majority of the people there and they have their kids. It's all come full circle for me.” 

This year’s parade theme is “Heroes Among Us,” and the event kicks off at 10 a.m. July 20. 

For more information about Rathdrum Days, visit Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce, rathdrumchamber.com.