CHENEY – Former Cheney police captain Rick Beghtol fills interim police chief position, Oct. 17.
“We aren’t sure how long he will be here, but we are actively looking for someone to permanently fill the position.” City Administrator Mark Schuller said.
“Rick has over 40 years of experience as a professional, and served the city of Cheney as captain up until 2021.” When asked why the Mayor decided to bring him out of retirement for this temporary position, Schuller said “His knowledge and his ability to oversee patrol and internal investigations.”
In an email to the mayor, prior to his resignation, former police chief John Hensley put forward his suggestions for his replacement as chief. Of the four options given, the “preferred option” Hensley said, was to promote Captain Nate Conley to police chief.
“If you are satisfied with the way the department operates today, this makes the most sense.” Hensley said. Referring to his principal motive for suggesting Conley, Hensley wrote “Our ‘no call too small’ philosophy will remain in place.”
Option two was to install Nate Conley as interim chief until a permanent appointee could be selected. Options three through four suggested a 6 month interim-chief assignment for Conley, and an open recruitment process, respectively.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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