Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Bentler comes from Liberty Lake agency
ODESSA — A new police officer has been patrolling the town for several weeks. Gordon “Gordy” Bentler, 49, was hired by the town Jan 26 and has been on patrol for the last month.
Bentler, who now resides here, came from a stop with the Liberty Lake Police Department. Prior to his stint there, during which he lived in Spokane Valley, he worked for the Seattle Police Department near his hometown of Renton.
“I like the close community niche,” Bentler said of his decision to move to Odessa. “It’s really a welcoming community.”
Bentler got a degree in law enforcement from Central Washington University but spent time in the golf industry before becoming a cop in Seattle. He moved to Spokane Valley in 2017 and spent time as a volunteer firefighter with Spokane County Fire District No. 8 in addition to police work.
He moved here in early January, shortly before he was officially hired.
“I’m still getting some certifications,” Bentler said. “I’m trying to be on the road as much as I can and always leaving my phone on so I can get to know the area…trying to absorb as much as I can.”
Prior to Bentler beginning patrols, the town was serviced by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Former town marshal Les Jimerson quietly resigned in Nov. 2022.
Bentler is a police officer, not a marshal, so the town is still looking to hire Jimerson’s vacated position. The police department has jurisdiction within town limits, so citizens outside limits will still be serviced by the Sheriff’s Office.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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