Kessler joins PPD
By Terry Murry on Friday, January 9th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton Public Works Department and Pendleton Police Department have added a new code enforcement officer. Police Chief Chuck Byram said that while Jake Kessler will be employed by public works, he will work out of the police department.
With more than 100 homes in the works for the Rees Goad property alone, it was decided that another officer was needed. Byram said Kessler will work primarily with builders, planners, and construction crews.
“We’re going to get him trained up on the meat and potatoes of codes and ordinances, and then we’ll get him over to the Public Works Department to focus on building, planning, and construction,” Byram said.
Kessler joins PPD after several years in the records division of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. He joins Code Enforcement Officer Jennifer Etchamendy and volunteer Ed Tabor.
Photo of Officer Jake Kessler from the Pendleton Police Department
