McNannay named Colfax police chief

Sheriff’s Sgt. Rick McNannay has been hired as Colfax Police Chief, Mayor Todd Vanek reported Tuesday afternoon. He is scheduled to begin his service as chief July 1.

McNannay said he expects the career change across Mill Street will go smoothly because over the years he has worked with members of the Colfax Police department on many cases.

McNannay has been a member of the sheriff’s department since 1999 and was promoted to sergeant about 10 years ago. He first worked with the department as a reservist and then served as an officer at Moscow until joining the sheriff’s staff.

McNannay is a member of the 1977 class at Pasco High School and attended Washington State University where he received a degree in social sciences in 1988.

Sgt. McNannay and his wife, Marcia, have four sons. Ryan is now an officer with the Pullman Police, and Brenden is a county corrections officer. Tyler has completed his first year at Washington State University, and Kellen will be a senior at Colfax next year. Marcia is a records officer for the WSU Police Department.

McNannay and Douglas Clark, recently retired detective with the Lewiston police department, were the two finalists for the job and public interview sessions were conducted with each finalist. Mayor Vanek at the May 21 city council session said he had offered the position to one of the finalists but delayed the announcement until the contract offer was accepted.