FORKS — The Forks Police Department now has a uniformed police chief for the first time in several years.
Mike Rowley, who has worked for the department for nearly a decade, was sworn in as the leader of Forks Police Department on Monday morning.
“It’s an extreme privilege to be selected as the chief of police anywhere, let alone the city of Forks,” Rowley said. “I love this community.”
City officials had discussed earlier this year how to fill the department’s top leadership position as administrator Rick Bart’s contract was coming to an end.
In March, some had questions about whether there was room in the budget for a police chief, but Audrey Grafstrom, city clerk and treasurer, said it was determined shortly thereafter that it wasn’t an issue.
Rowley, 37, was one of eight people who applied for the position. He will be paid $62,625 annually.
City Attorney and Planner Rod Fleck said there was a series of interviews with candidates. Four candidates were interviewed initially during a process that included city staff and mayoral candidates.
Mayor Bryon Monohon interviewed two finalists before selecting Rowley as chief of police.
Monohon could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Rowley, who is also an assistant coach for the Forks High School football team, said he is glad to be back with the Forks department.
He had worked for the department for several years and was promoted to sergeant before leaving last year to work as a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
He said that role wasn’t a good fit and he wanted his children raised in Forks. Rowley, who is married to Sarah Rowley, has four children at home and one in college.
Rowley was rehired by the Forks Police Department in late June as a temporary officer to help with staffing issues, Bart said.
Now, he’s working with Bart to get filled in on his administrative duties.
Bart, whose contract expires at the end of the year, said he is leaving early to make room for Rowley. His last day will be Oct. 23.
“I’m helping him with the paperwork, what he has to do every day,” Bart said. “Once he’s got that all down, he’s on his own.”
Bart said he has long advocated for the city to have a uniformed police chief and that the hiring of Rowley will benefit the city.
Bart, who was hired in 2013 and most recently signed a three-year contract in 2015, worked only in administration and could not perform the duties of an officer.
He was hired as a temporary employee after Chief Douglas Price stepped down unexpectedly in 2011, but his contract evolved into a part-time position.
He was originally working four days a week at $44.50 an hour but scaled back his hours to save the city money.
Rowley said he now oversees four officers, but he’d like to see that number grow to seven, including himself.
Rowley said the department has fluctuated between having six and seven officers through the years and that having an extra officer, possibly a part-time detective, would provide relief in shift coverage.
“I wouldn’t say there’s going to be major changes,” he said. “You’re going to see more officers on the street, and I’m looking forward to building a lot of trust with the community.”
Monohon said in a statement that Rowley will be a great fit for the city, police department and community.
“With over 10 years of law enforcement experience, I believe he will be able to work with law enforcement agencies of the West End to ensure the safety and protection of our community,” Monohon said.
“I want to thank Rick [Bart] for his time and dedication to our community, and I look forward to doing so at a council meeting in the near future.”
________
Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
Forks Forum Editor Christi Baron contributed to this story.
