Ericka Rose is Airway Heights Police Department's newest officer

There's a new officer in Airway Heights and her name is Ericka Rose.

Staff, public safety personnel and family filled the City Council chambers as Rose was sworn into the Airway Heights Police Department during a ceremony, May 20.

"The feeling is surreal," Rose said after she received her badge. "I'm still waiting to wake up from this dream."

For Rose, who was born and raised in Spokane, becoming a police officer was her dream since she was a child.

"When I was a kid and we'd play 'cops and robbers,' I never wanted to be the bad guy," Rose said. "I would always see law enforcement in the community and say 'that's what I want to do when I grow up."

Prior to coming to Airway Heights, Rose worked for Gonzaga Campus Public Safety and Security. She said working for Gonzaga allowed her to meet people from all "walks of life."

"It's a supportive community and a good starting block for me," Rose said. "They were very supportive of me when I wanted to come to Airway Heights."

The Airway Heights Police Department was able to hire a new officer following the retirement of code enforcement officer Steve Makar. Officer Curtis Tucker was promoted to Makar's position, which left a hole in the department.

"We were able to hire because of attrition," Police Chief Lee Bennett said. "We're still working on hiring two more officers, but that will cost the city close to $100,000. At least we were able to keep the personnel we have and provide the same service to the city."

Seventeen candidates applied for the vacant position. Bennett said Rose almost maxed out her physical ability test and had one of the highest scores on the written test the department has had from an applicant.

"Her answers on the oral interview were fantastic and we thought 'she'll be a good fit,'" Bennett said. "We had a lot of good applicants but she rose above the rest. You'll be seeing her around."

While the various tests, which included a polygraph exam, were stressful, Rose felt that she already belonged to the Police Department and the community.

"Chief Bennett and Sgt. (Robert) Swan made me feel so welcome during the application process," Rose said. "I already feel like Airway Heights is my home."

City Manager Albert Tripp was one of several staff members who welcomed Rose to the city during her swearing-in ceremony.

"Today is a culmination in a long journey," Tripp said. "Ericka's dream was to become a police officer and it's exciting to be a part of that dream."

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.