Two new officers 'on track' for academy

RITZVILLE – The Police Department may soon have two new officers.

During the Tuesday, June 21 City Council meeting, Police Chief Dave McCormick said Ryan Borden and Robert Dew have passed their physical fitness tests and are “on track for the academy.”

The officers were introduced during an April meeting, when the chief noted they were on “modified training” duty until they could get into the academy.

Borden, 28, of Ritzville served four years in the U.S. Army and has worked at Les Schwab here for two years.

Dew, 33, of Lind, served in the military in England before moving to Lind with his parents He has worked 12 years at the NAPA store here. He also has five years of experience with the Ritzville Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT with Ritzville Volunteer Ambulance Association.

Both new officers begin the state’s 16-week law-enforcement training academy in Spokane on July 12.

Upon graduating, the department will welcome the two new officers to its ranks, the chief said, noting he expects them to be working full-time in late November.

In other business, the City Council approved its six-year transportation improvement plan. The plan will provide direction for roads infrastructure projects from 2023-28.