Bonners Ferry welcomes new patrol officer

Forty-two-year-old Heiko Arshat has traded in retirement for the midnight shift with the Bonners Ferry Police Department.

Arshat is the city’s newest full-time police officer, which means working the graveyard shift. That’s okay with him.

“When you do something you want to do instead of something you have to do, it’s not a burden,” he said. “I’m excited to be a member of this department.”

Arshat replaces Cpl. Randy Tremble, who resigned from the eight-person force to become food service director with Boundary County School District.

Arshat was born and raised in southern California, where until 6 years ago, he worked an average of 60 hours a week as an industrial electrician. His wife, Rhonda Hammerslough, kept just as busy working as a dental hygienist.

“The nature of our careers dictated our schedules,” said Arshat.

The couple decided quality of life was more important than money. They heard Sandpoint was a great place for those who enjoy the outdoors and visited. Arshat and Hammerslough were directed to Bonners Ferry for a home in their price range and moved here four years ago.

“When we drove down the South Hill and saw the valley, we knew this was the place,” Arshat said.

Retired at age 36, Arshat kept his options open.

“I’d always had a passing interest in law enforcement,” he said. “It seemed rewarding and challenging.”

To test the waters, Arshat served as a Bonners Ferry reserve officer for two years. He volunteered to work 8- to 10-hour patrol shifts twice a week and serve at community events.

“I had the free time and thought it would be a good way to get a look at being a police officer,” Arshat said. “I wanted to take a more active role in the department and community. Being a reserve officer wetted my appetite.”

His dedication to volunteering for two years, which included training in Coeur d’Alene, gave Alonzo reason to hire Arshat. Alonzo also appreciated Arshat’s personality.

“He’s one of the most courteous and passionate people I’ve met,” Alonzo said. “(When you’re a police officer in a small town) it’s like living in a gold fish bowl. When you’re off duty and on duty, people are watching. I like somebody I don’t have to worry about.”

Arshat has one year to complete a 13-week police academy at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene.