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66 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, July 7, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend June 3, 2004 Shady Cove hires part-time police chief By JACK MORAN Mail Tribune SHADY COVE — The city has hired a new police chief, two months after the former chief resigned for "personal reasons," city officials said. Rick Mendenhall, who for more than a decade has served Shady Cove as a reserve police officer and a full-time captain at Jackson County Fire District No. 4, will work no more than 20 hours per week as the city’s part-time chief. "He knows Shady Cove better than anyone," said Councilwoman Lois Holland. "He really understands the people here and the area." In March, former police Chief Kim Gibson, a full-time employee, resigned after little more than a year on the job. His departure came during a time when the City Council was discussing the possible elimination of its police department, because of budget constraints. But instead of going forward with a proposal to contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for police services, the City Council decided last month that Shady Cove could afford a part-time chief and two full-time officers. Advertisement "It’s not the greatest solution in the world, but with the funding we have, it’s the best option," Councilman Bill Kyle said. As a part-time chief, Mendenhall will earn $1,400 per month, City Administrator Elise Smurzynski said. City officials discussed the job with "two or three" other candidates, but did not conduct a formal recruitment process, she said. Mendenhall, 47, said he’s looking forward to the opportunity. "It’s a lot of responsibility, but I am ready to step in and help the city and its citizens," he said. "I plan to be here to help out for as long as I can." Bob Miller, chief of Fire District No. 4, said he does not expect Mendenhall’s new job will interfere with his duties at the fire department. Miller said he supports Mendenhall’s decision, and expects he will still work 10 24-hour shifts per month. "It’s nice to see somebody who can give back and help the community where he lives," Miller said. Council members said the reasons behind Gibson’s departure were unclear, but appeared to involve dissatisfaction with the job. Gibson arrived in Shady Cove after retiring from the Reno (Nev.) Police Department with 25 years of service there. "He wasn’t happy here," Holland said. "I think it was really hard for him to come to a small city after working in a big city." Added Kyle: "I’m not too sure (why Gibson left). From what I gathered, it was personal reasons. We didn’t dig any deeper than that." Reach reporter Jack Moran at 776-4459, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times