Rehaume takes over police

OTHELLO - A familiar face in the Police Department has been sworn in as the city's new top cop.

Former Assistant Police Chief David Rehaume, 60, was promoted and sworn in June 3 as the new chief during a regular City Council meeting.

Rehaume replaces Phil Schenk, who retired after eight years.

It's a "great honor" to become chief, Rehaume said last week.

Rehaume, an Othello High School graduate and longtime resident, has been serving Othello for 34 years, starting out as a jailor and dispatcher in 1989.

His family moved to Othello in 1974, he said.

"Othello is my home," he said, speaking fondly of both the city and the Police Department.

When asked about his plans for the department, he said he wants to focus on community and community relations.

"I want citizens to feel comfortable talking with law enforcement, even in non-enforcement environments," he said.

He plans to keep police patrols proactive and to utilize the technology and community resources to better protect the community.

When speaking with Mayor Shawn Logan he said he is "impressed with Rehaume."

He is energetic, has a plan and is ready to lead the department in a good direction, he said.

Logan spoke about a meeting he had with the new chief where he outlined five areas he would work on, including collective leadership within the department, legitimacy of the department and its actions, communication and relations with Adams County Sheriff's Office and the community at large, crime prevention, patrol emphasis on speeding and the promotion of job opportunities.