Meet the three candidates vying for Wenatchee Police Chief

Three candidates are vying to become Wenatchee’s next police chief. Candidates met this evening at City Hall to discuss their qualifications and aspirations.

Of the three finalists, only Doug Shoemaker has no prior affiliation with Wenatchee or its law enforcement apparatus. But Shoemaker has traveled extensively, having served as police chief in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Denton, Texas.

If selected for the role, Shoemaker says he will prioritize the well-being of officers. It was one of the notable accomplishments of his 17-month tenure in Denton.

“We introduced the FBI-LEEDA series,” says Shoemaker. “We have also started taking officers to a safety and wellbeing conference through international police chiefs. We began to explore what wellness meant to agency members.

The other candidates – Captain Brain Chance and Captain Edgar Reinfeld – are very familiar with how the department works. Between them, they have 44 years of law enforcement experience.

Chance’s leadership within the department was rewarded with several promotions. It also has a history of community stewardship; he participates in activities such as Shop With a Cop and Santa’s Stars.

If selected for the role, Chance says he will prioritize staffing and recruiting challenges.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge because law enforcement is really struggling right now to attract large numbers of interested applicants.”

Reinfeld is famous for taking a more analytical and data-driven approach. To begin with, he oversaw the implementation of the Lexipol political system. Given his penchant for sober analysis, it’s no surprise that if selected for this role, he says he will prioritize timely planning.

“I think from day one, the biggest priority is to look forward to the next strategic plan and the next deal,” Reinfeld said. “Day one is about planning the next leadership summit.”

Outgoing Police Chief Steve Crown announced in March that his retirement was imminent. He has held this position since 2016.