Milton-Freewater appoints police chief

By Terry Murry on Thursday, August 24th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – Joe Shurtz has been named permanent chief of the Milton-Freewater Police Department effective immediately. City Manager Linda Hall made the announcement Tuesday.

He began work as a police officer with the city of Milton-Freewater in 2008 and has since been promoted seven times, achieving the rank of corporal, then sergeant. Since this past February, Shurtz has been serving as the interim police chief following the retirement of Doug Boedigheimer.

“I am honored that the city of Milton-Freewater is giving me this opportunity to lead the police department and serve this city in these difficult times we face as law enforcement officers,” Shurtz said.

Having already introduced two community policing programs, Shurtz is also bringing back the neighborhood watch program, which will have an organizational orientation meeting September 6 at 6 p.m. in the Milton-Freewater Public Library’s Albee Room.

Photo via city of Milton-Freewater