Officer Walters goes above-and-beyond

— Editor’s Note: Here is the first installment in the Police Department’s effort to introduce residents to local law enforcement officers.

CHENEY — Officer Cheyanne Walters began her law enforcement career in the Air National Guard in 2018, while assigned to the 141st Security Forces Squadron.

Walters, now 26, continued serving in the National Guard and joined Eastern Washington University Police Department in 2019, before staring with city police in 2020.

She has worked in many different capacities since that time.

“She’s the one who established our Facebook page, and she follows up with our domestic violence team,” Police Chief Rick Bechtel said. “She contacts the victims and advises them on next steps in the legal process.”

According to Bechtel, Walters is a credit to the force.

“She is always backing up her partners and reaching out the members of the force to assist if necessary.” he said.

Residents contact her when in crisis, as well, and that has made her stand out in the community, Bechtel said.

“I think she has done a phenomenal job and I couldn’t agree more with this selection,” he said.

“For me, working at this department has been one of the biggest blessings of my life,” Walters said..”This is the best place I’ve ever worked. It is a community and we all support each other. I couldn’t ask for a better team or chief.”

Walters said she watched family members struggle with generational cycles of addiction, poverty and domestic violence while she was growing up.

“Due to this, I experienced physical and emotional trauma throughout my childhood.

“Yet, through it all, I remained resilient and made it my mission to break those generational barriers.”

Walters said she wants o continue her education and expand her training.

This year, Walters will be attending training programs on becoming a public information officer and a field training officer.

Her goals include re-establishing a K-9 program here nad becoming a detective sergeant.

Walters is recognized by her colleagues as one who goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve both the community and her colleagues.

She received the Officer of the Year award in 2022.