Mattos sworn in as Kootenai County undersheriff

Dan Mattos was sworn in as the county's new undersheriff during a promotion ceremony on Monday night.

Six other members of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office were also promoted during the ceremony. The large number of promotions was due in part to the retirement of former Undersheriff Travis Chaney after 36 years with the department.

"Retirement by someone at or near the top of the organizational chart creates opportunities for promotions," Sheriff Ben Wolfinger said. "However, it also creates opportunities for people to grow, be challenged and to bring forth new ideas and energy into the organization. I am excited for all seven of the promotions today and what the future holds for each of them and the sheriff's office as a whole."

In addition to the Mattos appointment, Kim Edmondson was promoted to the rank of Major and John Holecek was promoted to Captain. The department also promoted Joe Jovick and Nancy Ellis to Lieutenant and Mark Ellis and John Stach to Sergeant.