Rathdrum taps first female police chief

McLean served as interim chief for past six months, began with city in ’94

RATHDRUM — Tomi McLean has done more than climb the ranks of the Rathdrum Police Department over the last 22 years.

She has become the city's first female police chief and will be the only woman heading up a city police agency in the state.

McLean, appointed Rathdrum's chief by a unanimous city council vote, will start on Jan. 1.

"I've waited a long time for it," she said. "I'm thankful and appreciate the confidence in me."

McLean has been the city's interim chief for the past six months. She will replace Kevin Fuhr, who resigned in June after nine years to accept the police chief position in Moses Lake, Wash.

"Chief McLean's years of excellent service to the city of Rathdrum allowed for her to receive the interim title without a formal search," said Leon Duce, city administrator. "If it was found that it wasn't a good fit, we would have gone to a full search for a new chief.

"The chief has performed above expectations and will be a qualified and competent chief of police. We are lucky to have her."

While female city police chiefs in Idaho are somewhat rare, they are not unheard of, including in North Idaho. Wendy Carpenter was Coeur d'Alene's chief from 2003 to 2007. Margaret Lehmbecker was the chief in St. Maries from 2010 until she abruptly quit in mid-August.

Patti Bolen is the current sheriff in Valley County north of Boise.

McLean, 45, was a reserve officer at Rathdrum in 1993 after graduating from North Idaho College's law enforcement academy. She was hired as a full-time patrol and animal safety officer in 1994.

She later became the DARE (youth program) officer, reserve coordinator, a sergeant and lieutenant.

McLean said she has been content staying in Rathdrum, which has a population of about 8,000.

"I like the people I work with and I like the community," she said. "I know so many people in town. I had people in my DARE program who now have kids."

McLean will lead a department that includes two sergeants, two secretaries, an animal safety officer, detective and 10 patrol officers.

McLean said she applied for the chief's job when Fuhr was hired. However, she said, in hindsight, that she believes not getting the job was for the best.

"I believe that I'm a lot more ready for the job than I was back then," she said. "I learned a lot from both Bob (Moore) and Kevin, and I believe that I will be a better chief because of it."

McLean said she never thought about becoming a chief when she first started her career, but, as she increasingly took on administrative duties, it became desirable.

McLean said she's confident the community will adapt to its first female police chief just fine.

"I've always been supported by the community members and businesses, and I've been here so long," she said. "I treat people with respect; I believe that will get you farther. I've also gotten a lot of support from the other agencies in the area."

McLean, who will make $75,237 per year, said she wants to tap into technology to take Rathdrum's department to the next level. She started a Facebook page for the department in July shortly after she became interim chief.

"People need to know what's going on," she said. "We want to let the community see us so that we have better community relations and people are more informed."