Abrahamson named Cd'A Tribe police chief

PLUMMER — Sam Abrahamson will be the new police chief for the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department starting today.

Abrahamson, an enrolled member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, has been a police officer with the department for the past 16 years.

Abrahamson started his career in law enforcement with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe as a patrol officer. For the past six years, he has worked as a detective.

"Sam has dedicated his entire law enforcement career to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and to the community on and around the reservation," said Coeur d’Alene Tribe Chairman Chief Allan. "He has a deep understanding of our local and regional issues and we are excited to have him as our new police chief."

Abrahamson said he's excited about his new role.

"It’s an honor to be chosen for this position and I look forward to continuing the work Chief SiJohn has done over the past three years to ensure our community is safe and well-protected," he said. "I will strive to maintain the good working relationships with the surrounding law enforcement agencies, including Benewah and Kootenai County sheriff’s departments and the local city police forces in order to achieve the goal of protecting and serving the community."

Abrahamson’s predecessor, Cody SiJohn, served as chief since early 2012. He accepted a job with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a criminal investigator in the Pacific Northwest Region.

"Sam has been a positive presence in the community for nearly two decades and he is well-respected amongst his peers in the department and throughout the community," Allan said. "He is a strong leader who will move this department forward."