Ontario City Manager Adam Brown announced Tuesday Ontario will hire Michael Iwai of Salem, as its new police chief. (The Enterprise/File).
ONTARIO – The city has a new police chief.
Michael Iwai of Salem will step into the city’s top cop slot in March, said Adam Brown, Ontario City manager y.
“We are thrilled. He is a really impressive individual,” Brown said Tuesday.
Iwai is currently a lieutenant with the Salem patrol office of the Oregon State Police. Brown said Iwai will retire from the agency in February. Brown said the city made its offer – and Iwai accepted the job – Monday.
“We really think he is a great fit and will hit the ground running,” said Brown.
Iwai will replace former police chief Steven Romero, who resigned in October after about two years on the job.
Brown said the city interviewed four candidates for the position.
Brown said interested candidates hailed from places as far away as Alaska, Connecticut, Nebraska, Miami and as close to home as Hermiston.
Brown said Iwai’s salary will be $107,000 a year.
News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]
Previous coverage:
Ex-chief sees challenges, urban issues facing Ontario police
Ontario police chief will step down from post in October
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