Shurtz is named interim MFPD chief

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – Sgt. Joe Shurtz of the Milton-Freewater Police Department will become interim police chief beginning March 1. Long-time Chief Doug Boedigheimer will retire on Feb. 28.

City Manager Linda Hall made the announcement in an email to city staff today (Wednesday). She wrote that Boedigheimer’s retirement after almost 16 years leaves very big shoes to fill.

“Chief, I am not alone in expressing my gratitude for your dedication and service to our city and its citizens,” she stated.

Hall said that Shurtz will fill the job as interim police chief while the city explores its recruitment options.

“He will be charged with the oversight of day-to-day operations of the police department and will answer directly to the city manager,” Hall wrote. “He will assume a Monday through Friday schedule and will be responsible for the same administrative tasks as the previous chief while serving in this role. Because we are not sure how long this interim period may last, we will also very likely be appointing an interim sergeant as well.”