Scholten joins BFPD

By KENNY RUNYAN

Staff Writer

With the departure of Cpl. Allen Ashby, the Bonners Ferry Police Department has hired 22-year-old, Joseph Scholten from Airway Heights, Wash. as a new officer.

Scholten previously worked in a 12-man department in a town a little bigger than Bonners Ferry, where he completed an extensive academy training program. However, since he is now working in Idaho, he will go to the Idaho Police Academy located on the outskirts of Boise with a Field Training Officer to train him in the Idaho regulations and procedures.

Scholten brings extensive knowledge of the wilderness to his new position. He was a hunting guide, where he hunted things like quail and waterfowl, but not much big game besides a deer or two.

Prior to joining the local department, Scholten worked on a tactical air swat team where he participated in approximately four big warrant arrests. Scholten also has a background as an ER Tech and worked with the Airway Heights Fire Fighting Group for about three years until he decided he wanted to become a police officer.

In addition, Scholten received a Medal of Heroism when he noticed a trailer fire while attempting to make a traffic stop. "When I saw the fire, I opted to go into the trailer and search for possible survivors rather than proceed with the traffic stop," Scholten said. "I went in and out of the trailer three times for oxygen while searching the premises."

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Dave Kramer said the department is excited to have Scholten onboard.

"I think he will be a good fit for this department and our community," Kramer said. "He has positive people skills as well as the understanding of how to work within a small community. In the brief time he's been here, he's already been a great help on some of the calls we've received recently. We encourage and ask our community to welcome him to the area and take the time to get to know him."

Scholten added that he grew up in a town smaller than Bonners Ferry. "The officers here in Bonners Ferry have made it an easy transition for me and they have been very helpful."