Washington — The City Council voted Dec. 15 to appoint Katie Graves as a full‑time police officer and to reappoint Officers Zach Yowitz and Ben Jurgens.

A presenter introduced Katie Graves as the department’s newest hire and said she is a recent graduate of the Jefferson College Law Enforcement Academy and cleared extensive testing and a background investigation. Council moved to approve her appointment and voted in favor by voice vote.

Staff also recommended reappointment of Officers Zach Yowitz and Ben Jurgens, saying both are performing well. The presenter noted both officers were on leave and staff will try to schedule their presence at reappointment ceremonies when feasible. The council voted to reappoint both officers by voice vote.

What’s next: Appointee Graves will join the department as a full‑time officer; the reappointments will be recorded in personnel files and staff will attempt to have the officers introduced in a future meeting when they can attend.