Ephrata Mayor Appoints New Police Chief

The city of Ephrata announced Mayor Bruce Reim has appointed Kurt Adkinson to serve as the next Chief of Police. Adkinson retired from the Washington State Patrol after 25 years of service this past June.

"While he was at the state patrol, he had a variety of different assignments," said Mike Warren, city administrator. "He was an instructor at the academy, he did protective service for the governor, he was a sergeant and a lieutenant for both the criminal investigations section and for commercial vehicles."

Adkinson served as a sergeant based out of Moses Lake for a number of years, according to Warren. Adkinson kept his Moses Lake residence even when assigned elsewhere in the state.

"He established relationships with other law enforcement and members of the community, so even though he doesn't live in Ephrata, he is somewhat of a local candidate," said Warren.

His background check is underway with hopes to have him on board within the next month.