Mattawa Selects Robert Salinas as Next Police Chief

Mattawa has a new police chief. The city says Robert Salinas, who has 25 years of law enforcement experience, was recommended by two committees that were formed to help with the hiring decision.

Salinas fills a position that has been occupied be three other individuals over the last year.

Former Chief and Grant County Sheriff candidate Joe Harris was fired last spring, although he'd later win a wrongful termination settlement with the city. Then Moses Lake Police Captain Mike Williams resigned in September as interim chief over a difference in opinion on the direction of the police department.

Estevan Araguz has been serving as the latest Interim Chief.