Two cities, one chief? Wenatchee and East Wenatchee explore new model

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee and East Wenatchee officials are exploring an unprecedented agreement that would place both cities' police departments under the leadership of a single chief while maintaining separate agencies, budgets and local control.

The proposal, unveiled during a joint special meeting of the two city councils, comes as Wenatchee prepares to make Interim City Administrator Edgar Reinfeld its permanent city administrator, creating a vacancy at the top of the Wenatchee Police Department.

Under the concept presented on Wednesday, June 17, East Wenatchee Police Chief Rick Johnson would serve as chief for both departments through an interlocal agreement between the two cities. Officials emphasized repeatedly that the arrangement would not merge the departments or alter the authority of either city council.

"This is sharing a police chief position, and a police chief position only," East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford said.

Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier told council members the city's search for a permanent administrator drew more than 60 applicants, but only two advanced to final interviews and neither proved to be the right fit for the city. Over the past 10 months, he said, Reinfeld has steadily assumed more administrative responsibilities while serving as police chief.

"He's the right person to be our permanent city administrator," Poirier said.

Reinfeld, a 27-year city employee whose career has included service as a dispatcher, water department employee, police officer, detective, sergeant, captain and chief, said the proposal would allow both cities to build on an already extensive history of regional cooperation.

Officials pointed to existing partnerships involving homelessness programs, public safety initiatives, regional task forces, accreditation efforts and grant applications as examples of successful collaboration between the two communities.

Under the proposed arrangement, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee police departments would remain separate agencies with their own officers, captains, budgets and labor agreements. Johnson would serve as chief of both organizations, while each city would retain authority through its own mayor and council.

"This isn't a crisis," said Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. "[The cities are] getting ahead of things rather than simply reacting to some sort of crisis."

Strachan described the concept as an innovative approach to public safety that could serve as a model for other communities facing rising costs and increasing demands on local government.

Several law enforcement leaders voiced support for the proposal during the meeting.

Wenatchee Police Captain Brian Chance, who previously sought the department's top position himself, said he supports the concept "110%" and called it "an incredible opportunity" for both cities.

Johnson acknowledged there would be challenges if the proposal moves forward but said the existing relationship between the two departments provides a strong foundation.

"The cultures of these two departments have never been stronger," Chance added.

Council members raised questions about governance, public perception and the possibility that some East Wenatchee residents could view the arrangement as a step toward consolidation of the two cities. Officials stressed that the proposal would not alter the independence of either city and that any future changes would require approval by elected leaders.

The concept remains in its early stages. No action was taken during the joint meeting, and officials said any agreement would require review by city attorneys and approval from both councils.

Reinfeld said the proposal is envisioned as a trial arrangement extending through the end of 2027, with provisions allowing either city to withdraw if the model proves unsuccessful.

"We're taking the first crawl to look at this concept tonight," Reinfeld said.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media