ASOTIN, Wash. — Asotin Police Chief Monte Renzelman’s career in law enforcement spans decades and multiple agencies across the region, all driven by a commitment to serving his community.
“I’ve been privileged to be in spots that allow me to be able to help a lot of individuals in our community,” Renzelman said.
His interest in law enforcement began early. Growing up, interactions with officers were a regular part of family life.
“The resident deputy would always be at the house, you know, having coffee at the kitchen table, talking with the parents and that kind of stuff,” Renzelman said. “So interacting with him was just part of life.”
Right after high school, Renzelman enrolled in the Idaho P.O.S.T.-certified Basic Patrol Academy at North Idaho College. After graduating from the 18-month program, he started as a reserve officer with the Moscow Police Department, learning on the job alongside experienced officers.
“You’re partnered with a seasoned person that knows what they’re doing, and you’re just trying to absorb everything,” he said. “At first, it’s overwhelming.”
Over the decades, Renzelman went on to serve with the Lewiston Police Department, the Clarkston Police Department, and eventually the Asotin Police Department, where he now serves as chief.
Looking back on his career, Renzelman says the advice he would give his younger self goes beyond policing tactics and procedures. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of long-term well-being.
“People would say, ‘It would be about something law enforcement,’” Renzelman said. “No, it’s actually about retirement and well-being. You have to take care of yourself.”
He says the profession can take a toll, both physically and mentally, but attitudes toward officer mental health have changed significantly over the years.
“When I first started, that person would have been told, ‘You’re not strong enough, see you later,’” Renzelman said. “Today, that’s not the case. Administrators recognize the impact this job has.”
When the pressures of the job build, Renzelman says family helps keep him grounded.
“Family — that side of things — is where I get my recentering,” he said.
While retirement is something he knows is approaching, Renzelman says he is not ready to step away just yet.
“I know I’m getting there. I’m starting to look at it, but I don’t have a set time,” he said. “I’m still enjoying my job.”
At the core of his career, Renzelman says it is the people he serves that continue to motivate him.
“Being able to interact with people, help them, and get them headed in the right direction,” he said.