SELAH -- After working for the Selah Police Department for 26 years, Lt. Stacy Dwarshuis has been named its new chief.

The announcement was made Tuesday at the Selah City Council meeting. The 50-year-old Dwarshuis will assume the job Nov. 1. His annual salary is about $73,320.

"I feel fantastic," Dwarshuis said about his promotion. "I'm looking forward to it."

As police chief, Dwarshuis said his primary goals are to be available to the community and to be a democratic leader. He also hopes to hire another police officer next year. His force now consists of 14 officers and eight reservists.

"I believe everybody has a say with the way things are run," he said about day-to-day operations. "I'm open to input and suggestions. You are never too old to look at things from a different perspective."

Dwarshuis first worked for the Selah Police Department as a line officer and later as a sergeant. He's been a lieutenant for the past five years, and was one of two people interviewed for the chief's position. He's married and has five children and seven grandchildren.

Mayor Bob Jones said he's known Dwarshuis for many years and was very pleased to give Dwarshuis the job.

"All I can say is the cream eventually rises to the top," he said.

Dwarshuis is replacing Rick Gutierrez, who abruptly resigned in March after serving 18 years with the department -- more than five as chief. Since his resignation, Dwarshuis has served as acting chief.

Gutierrez and the city signed a separation agreement, in which Gutierrez was awarded six months' salary of $36,606, six months of medical insurance valued at $4,600 and accrued sick leave and vacation time. Gutierrez and city officials also agreed not to sue or criticize one another.

At the time of the resignation, Jones said the parting was amicable. Gutierrez said he couldn't comment because doing so would violate his agreement with the city.

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.