Enterprise residents rally behind police department as council plans next steps
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
ENTERPRISE – Following a weekend of social media uproar over the city discussing the future of the police department, the Enterprise City Council addressed residents’ concerns and heard public feedback at Monday night’s council meeting.
Mayor Jeff Yanke, who was appointed to the role earlier in the meeting after former Mayor Cody Lathrop resigned to become a county commissioner, spoke before the public comment period to dispel rumors and provide clarity on the situation.
Yanke said that after Police Chief Kevin McQuead announced his plans to retire this September, some council members questioned whether the city could financially sustain its own police force. Yanke said he informed police department staff last week that those discussions would take place.
“Before we recruit for a new police chief, this is a strategic time for the council to discuss a long-term vision of the police department,” Yanke said.
Public feedback overwhelmingly favored keeping the department. Among those speaking was former Police Chief Donovan Shaw.
“I realize it’s hard to run a department this small, but it’s not impossible,” Shaw said. “It is a valuable thing for everybody. Not only the people who live here, but the people who come to visit.”
Shaw also mentioned a program through the Oregon Police Chiefs Association that provides experienced law enforcement officials to serve as interim chiefs.
Enterprise resident Mike Farley said he was astonished and disappointed that disbanding the force was even being discussed.
“One of the big reasons that the city of Enterprise is as successful as it is, is because of the fine job that our law enforcement does,” Farley said.
Council members agreed to schedule a work session that will explore all options for the future of local law enforcement, rather than just debating the department’s continuation.
Officials suggested including the sheriff’s office in the meeting, and Lathrop said he could help coordinate that involvement.
The council scheduled the work session for July 29 at 6:30 p.m. Yanke assured attendees that the public will remain involved, noting that disbanding the police department would require amending a city ordinance, a process that requires two public hearings.
