Christopher Oates sworn in as Cheney police chief

The council confirmed the mayor's appointment of Christopher Oates as chief of police and administered the oath of office at the meeting. Under the municipal code the appointment required confirmation; a motion to approve the appointment was made and seconded and the council voted in favor.

During the oath the appointee declared, "I, Christopher Oates, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington," and pledged to "faithfully discharge the duties of police chief to the best of my abilities." After the oath the newly appointed chief thanked attendees and said he was "ready to, move forward and get to work, so let's go." The remarks received applause and the council moved on to a photo opportunity after the meeting.

The appointment followed final interviews with three finalists; the mayor noted the chosen candidate has nearly 15 years of law enforcement experience and military service and said the candidate embodies the department values of "honesty, integrity, and compassion." No formal vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript; the clerk announced the motion, a second was recorded, and the motion carried.