With family, city staff and fellow law enforcement peers looking on, Randy Kaut took his oath of office Tuesday afternoon in the city council chambers and was sworn in as the City of Chehalis’ new chief of police.
Kaut, 56, a 33-year veteran of the police department who’s served the last 14 as deputy police chief, is expected to bring some stability to the department as it forgoes changes brought on by recent police accountability legislation and as the city continues to weather the pandemic. He’s served the last nine months as the interim chief.
Judge Dale McBeth administered the oath for Kaut as his wife, Julie Kaut, stood behind him. Following the oath, Julie removed his deputy chief badge and affixed his new police chief badge to his uniform. About 10 or so other officers from Centralia, Chehalis and from around the county watched on.
“We’re entering a time of challenge, as most of you in law enforcement know, and so it’s going to be an interesting time for all of us. But I’m looking forward to working with all of you. It’s been interesting so far, and I’m sure it’s going to be interesting going into the future,” Kaut said following his oath, making sure to thank his family and predecessor, Glenn Schaffer.
Kaut will make around $120,600 a year in salary, according to previous reporting by The Chronicle.
News of his appointment generated applause from those in the community who know him, despite himself admitting that he’d never expected to take the top position at the department. But his perspective on the position changed while serving in the interim position, he said.
“I think it’s an excellent appointment,” said Councilor Bob Spahr, who was in attendance representing the council. “I remember when he came to the department. He’s always been good, steady, calm. You just can’t shake the guy up. He’s an incredible person and I think he’ll be a fantastic leader for this department.”
City Administrator Jill Anderson called the appointment a very significant step for Kaut and thanked the community and his family for the support. She chose Kaut to lead because of his “long track record of service and integrity” and ability to remain steadfast. Kaut is expected to be a steady captain at the helm, Anderson said, especially as they undergo changes in law enforcement.
“Randy’s integrity, his track record, his ability to work and deal with anything that comes his way with a calmness about him will prepare him, and I know that he will be a fantastic chief and will continue to serve and continue to grow and continue to challenge and meet each challenge as we go into this next top season of uncertainty,” Anderson said, noting his 33 years of service paved the way for the moment.
Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham, who’s known Kaut personally since 1994, characterized the new police chief as steady, level headed and diplomatic. He’s the type of person who can set his biases aside and make a rational decision. He’s also very honest, Denham said.
“As a police chief, that’s what you need. You need someone who’s willing to sit back, not make a brash decision but make an informed decision, and that’s what I know Randy to be,” Denham said.
Dusty Breen, chief of the field operations bureau at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, said he’s known Kaut since he was 14 years old, working different events as part of the sheriff’s explorers program. Kaut worked as an adviser for a similar youth program at CPD.
“Randy’s been one of those guys just there, very dedicated day in and day out from the beginning,” Breen said.
He notes that he thinks Kaut is the “perfect person” at the department to help navigate confusion that’s come as police agencies interpret Washington state’s new police laws.
Schaffer, the previous police chief who vacated the seat in January to head the city’s human resources department, said Kaut worked as his No. 2 since 2007.
“Randy and I complimented each other very well,” Schaffer said, noting they would often come to two different ends of a decision but would often compromise for whatever was best for the city.
He said he knows Kaut has the best interests of the city, community and department in mind.
“I’m just happy for him. I think his time at the Centralia Police Department has prepared him for this and he’s going to do an excellent job,” Schaffer said.
