Rathdrum police chief announces retirement

RATHDRUM — After 33 years working in law enforcement, Police Chief Tomi McLean has announced her retirement.  

In a press release from the city, McLean was commended for serving the North Idaho community with “unwavering commitment” as a “beacon of dedication and service.”   

McLean began as a reserve officer in Post Falls and Rathdrum in 1991 and has served exclusively in Rathdrum since 1994.    

She was appointed as the first female Rathdrum police chief in 2016.  

City Administrator Leon Duce called McLean “a great asset to the city of Rathdrum” for 30-plus years. 

“She loved the people of Rathdrum and spent pretty much her whole career here,” Duce said. 

McLean quickly showed her passion for police work and received the Distinguished Service Award within her first year in the department.   

Her dedication to community welfare in her role as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer and instructor was something some elementary students never forgot.   

One such individual was Stephanie Carter. 

Carter said McLean “does the job with a kind heart” and always treats people like people no matter the circumstances. She thanked McLean for being there for her when she was at the lowest points of her life.  

“I was traumatized and she always told me that I’d be OK, was always compassionate and kind,” Carter said. “Police officers in my hometown were wonderful; they just loved me right where I was. Some of them were kind like Tomi, they extended grace to me when they didn’t need to be.” 

Carter was inspired by her former D.A.R.E. instructor’s encouragement to free herself from addiction and now helps homeless individuals in her new community find a path to sobriety. 

McLean is a mother of two and her community service also extends to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve officer. She is vice president of the Shoshone Rangers Saddle Club and contributes to the Gondola Evacuation Team in Kellogg.   

Duce celebrated Chief Tomi McLean’s remarkable career for the “indelible mark she has left on Rathdrum.”   

"Her legacy of service, professionalism and friendship will continue to inspire future generations," Duce said.

McLean's last day as police chief is Thursday, June 5.