Mayor of Airway Heights becomes new assistant police chief in Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley’s new assistant police chief comes with a background of service in the Air Force, a focus on domestic violence and sexual assault and five years as Mayor of Airway Heights.

Spokane Valley City Manager Mark Calhoun appointed Kevin Richey to the position of Precinct Commander and Assistant Police Chief of the Spokane Valley Police Department earlier this month, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.

Since the City of Spokane Valley incorporated 17 years ago, the county sheriff’s office has provided law enforcement services as the Spokane Valley Police Department, via contract, to the citizens of Spokane Valley.

Richey was one of three candidates Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich recommended to replace Mike Kittilstved, who held the position until his promotion to undersheriff, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Richey has worked in the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office since 2003.

After earning a promotion to detective, he focused on domestic violence and sexual assault investigations. When he was promoted to sergeant, he supervised patrol deputies in Spokane Valley and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County while leading the sexual assault unit, the release said.

For the last 13 years, he has also served on the Airway Heights City Council , the release said. Richey was elected mayor in 2015. Richey will resign from his position as city mayor effective Dec. 31.

“Every day that I go to my new job, I get a new project. I’m getting pretty busy,” Richey said in an October council meeting. “The city deserves to have council and a mayor that are engaged.”

Richey was appointed to assistant police chief Nov. 1.