Reardan Police Chief Manke resigns

REARDAN - Police Chief Andy Manke has submitted his resignation to Mayor Gail Daniels, effective March 15. He has accepted a position as patrol officer with the Spokane Tribal Police.

The Town of Reardan hired Manke in July 2019.

During his tenure, the police department expanded its resources and updated its equipment.

"We have purchased newer patrol cars and have outfitted them with laptops," Manke said. "We now have modern body cameras and tasers that help us do our job better."

Manke said a huge milestone for the department was solidifying its relationship with the Reardan-Edwall School District that placed resource officer Melissa Foust at the school.

He was a strong proponent of town council's desire to clean up the town by enforcing its nuisance ordinances, which included towing approximately 30 "dead" cars, tearing down dilapidated buildings and removing abandoned "eyesores."

He appreciates council for its support by "giving me everything I asked for to improve the police department. The town has allowed us to better serve and protect the community."

"My three years in Reardan were the best of my 18 years in law enforcement," he said. "It's killing me to leave this community, and I'm doing it for selfish reasons. I took a pay cut when I hired on. Now I must leave for financial security as I set my family up for retirement."

Foust was grateful for Manke and his leadership.

"Manke has shaped me into the cop I am today," Foust said. "He's given me good advice and changed the way I view policing. One of his greatest accomplishments was building trust and instituting a model for community-oriented policing. He's been an extremely good boss and I will miss him a lot."

Daniels expressed appreciation for Manke's professionalism, experience and the feeling of security he brought to Reardan.

"Chief Manke's presence will be greatly missed," she said. "I wish him the very best as he moves on to the next phase of his life."

After working six more years, Manke plans on retiring, and will spend his golden years "riding my Indian motorcycle and wintering down south."

The town hired Mikeal Suniga to replace Manke. His first day on the job was Monday, March 6. Prior to accepting this job, he worked for the Airway Heights Police Department.