Warden seeks new police chief
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months, 2 weeks AGO
Warden is looking for a new police chief after Chief Rick Martin announced his plans to retire June 15. The new chief must live within 20 miles of the city, have at least 10 years of law enforcement experience and at least three years of leadership experience.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
WARDEN – The City of Warden is preparing for a transition in its Police Department as Chief Rick Martin announced his retirement effective June 15, 2025, at the April 22 city council meeting, prompting the city to initiate the hiring process for his successor.
With a population of 2,750 in the agricultural community of Grant County, local officials emphasize the importance of strong leadership in maintaining the safety and well-being of its residents.
“I’m looking for a leader that’s experienced and that is going to come and join our team,” said Mayor Rosaelia Martinez. “We want someone who will embrace our vision and engage with our citizens and businesses.”
This commitment to community engagement is pivotal, as Warden continues to grow while fostering its small-town charm, she said.
“Warden is a great community. We have had great citizens here and I have seen a lot of great, great people. I think anyone that is hired here will see that the community is growing, and it's a good place to live, a wonderful place,” Martinez said. “I think that we can attract a great police chief for our department. We are going to bring competitive gains and opportunities.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the city has established a minimum of three years of leadership experience in law enforcement for applicants, alongside a requisite ten years of total law enforcement experience.
The role includes reporting to the elected mayor, overseeing the other police department employees, maintaining positive relationships with city employees and residents, and administrative responsibilities such as maintaining the department budget and developing department programs.
Martin, who has served since 2009, has played a significant role in fostering relationships between the police department and the community, according to Martinez.
“He has been very informative, engaging, and always embraced my vision for Warden,” Martinez said, underscoring the necessity for the incoming chief to continue this level of engagement.
Moreover, Martinez emphasized the importance of a robust response time in any policing approach. The city has set a geographical limit for applicants, requiring them to reside within 20 miles of Warden to optimize response times. “We want to keep it within this range for quick responses,” she said, referencing the proximity to neighboring towns like Othello and Moses Lake.
The city is offering a competitive salary range of $105,000 to $120,000, along with a signing bonus of up to $15,000 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans. This compensation package aims to attract qualified candidates who are not only experienced but also aligned with the community’s values.
As Warden embarks on this search for its new police chief, city officials remain optimistic about attracting a candidate who will successfully lead the department and strengthen its ties to the community.
“I believe that anyone hired here will find that this is a great place to live,” Martinez said.
For more information on the role, visit: https://bit.ly/WPDCHIEF.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”