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Ellensburg police chief reports staffing churn, declines in some calls and concern about suicide deaths
Summary
Chief Ken Wade presented the Ellensburg Police Department's 2025 annual report, noting staff turnover, fewer overall calls and collisions but an increase in suicide deaths to six; he described ongoing programs (drone and ALPR use, Handle With Care, youth referrals) and the department's technology and staffing priorities.
Ken Wade, chief of the Ellensburg Police Department, told the City Council that 2025 saw six separations from the department and five new patrol hires, leaving two vacancies and three detectives positions unfilled. "We had 6 total separations," Wade said, adding that several officers moved to neighboring agencies attracted by hiring bonuses.
Wade said the department recorded 4,481 calls for service in 2025, a roughly 10% drop from the previous year, and 662 collisions, down about 3%. He described continued emphasis on…
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