MABTON, Wash. – Mayor Rachel Ruelas confirmed a new interim police chief has been hired with their first day beginning Dec. 11. Ruelas also says the city is working on hiring new police officers.
This development comes after Mabton residents voiced concerns about the city’s police staffing during a Dec. 10 city council study session.
In the study session, during the public comment time, multiple residents raised concerns for their safety amid an empty police department. Later in the meeting, city council approved the hiring of the new interim police chief and safety director. He was briefly introduced.
Casey Schilperoort, public information officer with the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, provided a statement to NonStop Local about Mabton’s Police Department, saying in part:
“Public safety should be the priority for every city… changes need to be made and we will help them if the city asks for assistance and guidance.”
