Carlson applies for chief of police

RITZVILLE — The city has a formal candidate for chief of police.

Current police officer Matt Carlson submitted documentation formalizing his interest in the job Aug. 12.

“WASPC (Wash-ington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs) received Matthew’s cover letter and resume on Aug. 12th, which that is the process for this position,” Mayor Scott Yaeger said last week in an email.

The city is looking for its next chief, who will replace Chief Dave McCormick when he retires at the end of September.

According to Yaeger, the city has had a difficult time finding qualified candidates for the job.

Some residents and City Council members advocated for Carlson early in the hiring process. But when the City Council discussed the position, the officer had not formally applied.

The city advertised for candidates through the Washington Association of Sheriff’s and Police Chiefs nationwide and California, and also through the Association of Washington Cities Job Net. A cover letter and resume had to be submitted to WASPC as part of the application process.

Initially, only Robert Dew applied for the job, the mayor said, noting Dew did not have the requisite experience for the post.

Yaeger said he received some documentation for Carlson from a member of the City Council, but not a formal application from Carlson.

That changed Aug. 12, with Carlson’s submission through WASPC.