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Council honors retiring leaders, welcomes new police recruits and previews parks survey
Summary
Richland recognized retiring Fire Chief Tom Huntington and outgoing councilmembers Sandra Kent and Ryan Luxon, introduced five new police department hires and launched a parks and open-space survey during its Dec. 16 meeting.
Council members used the Dec. 16 meeting to recognize long-serving public servants and to introduce newly hired police officers while previewing community engagement on parks planning.
Mayor Teresa Richardson read a proclamation honoring Chief Tom Huntington for more than 31 years of service leading Richland Fire & Emergency Services, citing three new fire stations, training improvements and leadership in regional officer development. Council and audience members offered thanks and congratulations.
The meeting also included formal proclamations recognizing Council Member Sandra Kent (first appointed in February 2008) and Council Member Ryan Luxon (first elected 2017) for their years of service. Kent and Luxon each accepted the council’s appreciation and made brief remarks to the audience.
Chief of Police Marty Pilcher introduced five new hires to the Richland Police Department — Officer Ben December, Brian Mora Polito, Shameka Garcia, Marco Covarrubias and Trevor Lang — noting the academy graduates will enter the field training officer (FTO) program. Pilcher said he expects the new officers to begin patrol assignments in the coming months.
City Manager Amundsen also reminded residents that the city’s parks, recreation and open space plan has launched a community survey open through Jan. 2 and encouraged participation to guide priorities for the next six years.
The council closed with member comments reflecting on achievements in 2025 and adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
