Monroe Police Chief Tim Quenzer introduced Officer Derrick Lether to Monroe City Council and Mayor Geoffrey Thomas on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the regular business meeting of the Monroe City Council.
Officer Lether, who was hired by the Monroe Police Department on November 4, 2013, graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Center's basic law enforcement academy on June 18. The academy provides instruction on all aspects of law enforcement including criminal law and procedures, traffic enforcement, cultural awareness, communication skills, emergency vehicle operations, firearms, crisis intervention, patrol procedures, criminal investigations and defense tactics.
"Ever since I can remember, I figured I wanted to be a police officer,GÇ¥ said Lether. "It's just something that I knew I wanted to do.GÇ¥
After graduating from the academy, 27-year-old Lether began his 90-day field training assignment which he successfully completed. Typically, new police officers train in the department's Field Training Officer program for three to four months with at least three different field training officers before being cleared for duty. Now fully authorized to patrol on his own, Lether will enter into a nine-month probationary period.
"He has already made a mark on our community through his recent assistance to a homeless teen with disabilities,GÇ¥ said Chief Quenzer. "A news story that went nationwide.GÇ¥
In late September, Officer Lether and Officer Paul Henderson responded to a call from a concerned citizen who had noticed the disabled young man walking alone down U.S. 2. They brought the 19-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, to Valley General Hospital in Monroe. Officers Henderson and Lether worked exhaustively in an attempt to locate resources for the young man so that he wouldn't be alone and on the streets again once he was released from the hospital.
The teen has since been reunited with his mother who lives in Florida.
Lether, who grew up in Marysville, moved to Arizona when he was 16. Upon returning to Washington in May of 2012, he became employed at Boeing as a machinist. After working at Boeing for over a year and a half, he realized that he still desired a career in law enforcement and decided to change course and work toward achieving that goal.
"I've always liked the idea of helping people GÇô helping turn people's lives around GÇô and making the community a better place,GÇ¥ said Lether.
Growing up in nearby Marysville, Lether often visited Monroe for things like the Evergreen State Fair and racing events. He currently lives in Everett, but hopes to move to Monroe eventually. Lether is excited to be a part of the Monroe Police Department.
"When I found out they had an opening I jumped on it,GÇ¥ said Lether. "I figured it would be a great place to work and I haven't regretted it.GÇ¥
Officer Lether was sworn in by Evergreen District Court Judge Steve Clough. Judge Clough was presented with a Chief's Coin in recognition of his service to the city of Monroe. With the advent of the city's new municipal court, which will be opening in January, the city will no longer be utilizing the Evergreen District Court, which Judge Clough has presided over for 36 years.
Chief Quenzer took the opportunity to honor Judge Clough and to thank him for his dedication to the city. "I don't think we could find a finer judge in Snohomish County than Judge Clough,GÇ¥ said Quenzer.
Judge Clough moved to Monroe with his family in 1953, and attended elementary through high school in the Monroe School District. Clough received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University and attended law school in Idaho. He returned to Monroe in 1972 where he practiced law until he became a judge in 1978.
Quenzer and Clough agreed that Clough will continue to swear in the city's new police officers.
"Monroe is my home,GÇ¥ said Clough. "And the police department's done a great job over the years.GÇ¥
This year the Monroe Police Department has proactively worked to increase the level of public safety in the city of Monroe. They've increased patrol staff, spearheaded a group dedicated to retail theft prevention, implemented a new senior volunteer program, heightened patrols in troublesome areas like the Fred Meyer parking lot, and are working to address speeding issues in school zones and other areas.
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