Huxel is retiring
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 14th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA – Police Chief Darla Huxel has confirmed to Elkhorn Media Group that she is retiring. She said she has not determined when her last day would be, but that it would be toward the end of 2023.
Huxel first announced her intention to retire to the Umatilla City Council on July 5. She was the first woman hired by UPD in 1996 and was promoted to detective, which she called her “dream job,” in 1999. She became chief in 2005.
“My biggest accomplishment is the people that I’ve hired and the impact that I think we as a department have on the community,” she told the council.
She said she has worked, over the years, to change what she viewed as a militaristic atmosphere to one offering compassionate and caring officers.
“I will walk away with my head held high,” she told the city council.
Huxel is one of several city officials and agencies named in a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Pendleton involving allegations of negligence in failing to properly investigate a rape case of a 13-year-old girl. She cannot officially comment on that suit because city policy is not to comment on pending court actions.
