By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

The cities of Burns and Hines could potentially have 24-hour police coverage in the near future thanks to a trial agreement between the two city councils.
The Burns City Council and Hines Common Council have decided their respective police departments will share Hines Police Chief Randy Cook. He will oversee both Burns and Hines officers. The cities will try this situation out until June 1, at which time the cities will review how the trial period worked and make a decision as to whether the arrangement will become more permanent.

Burns Police Chief Rob Nou has announced that he will retire effective Feb. 20. Cook was sworn-in at the Feb. 13 Burns City Council meeting. In his resignation letter, Nou stated that he had accepted a job in Washington state. “This change in my life’s direction is in no way a sleight on or toward the city or the community. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve this community for the past four years,” Nou wrote.

The City of Hines wants to be sure the public knows that the two departments are not merging, and this is a trial situation until June 1. Cook will report to both cities, and 60 percent of his salary will be paid by Burns while 40 percent will be paid by Hines. Burns City Manager Justin Boone said that the decision will save Burns $25,000 to $26,000 per year. He noted that Burns councilors Len Vohs and Craig LaFollette were instrumental in negotiating with the City of Hines to bring about the arrangement.

“We’re going to share a chief,” Boone said. “His troops are going to patrol Burns and Hines, and we’ll have more coverage.” Between the two departments, five officers in addition to Chief Cook will patrol the community. Cook noted that 24-hour police coverage is the goal, though that probably won’t happen until all the officers are settled and have had the necessary training at the academy in Salem.

Burns officers include Shawn Heiser, Newton Skunkcap (who was sworn-in at the Feb. 13 meeting) and Jeff Brewer, who began work on Feb. 19. Hines officers include Ryan DeLange and Chris Van Hise.

The City of Burns has also hired former Burns police officer Brice Mundlin as an evidence custodian. Councilor Vohs said having Mundlin on board will help things run more smoothly.

Burns council members were generous in their praise of outgoing Chief Rob Nou. “It’s going to be sad to see you go,” Manager Boone said.
Councilor LaFollette thanked the chief for his service to the citizens of Burns. “He has given 100 percent to this community,” he said.

The council then gave Chief Nou a standing ovation.

Councilor Sean Wilson asked what the city will do with the money it will be saving on the chief’s salary. Councilor Vohs said the plan is to start focusing on repairing city streets.

Meet the new Burns police officers

WHO: Burns Police Officer Jeff Brewer
BORN and RAISED: Here in Harney County. “I’m a hometown boy,” he said.
WORKED PREVIOUSLY: Before being hired by the City of Burns, Brewer worked as a reserve officer for the City of Hines and for the Harney County Sheriff’s Office in the Parole and Probation Department. At the end of March, Brewer will likely be sent to the police academy in Salem for training.
QUOTE: Brewer applied for the Burns police officer position because, “I was seeking an opportunity to serve the community.”

WHO: Burns/Hines Police Chief Randy Cook
BORN and RAISED: Born in Idaho, but has lived in Oregon for the last 45 years. He grew up in Mitchell. “I’m a small town guy,” he said.
WORKED PREVIOUSLY: Cook has worked in law enforcement since 1973. He has moved around some, working in Ontario, Springfield, Lane County and Lake County before moving to the Burns/ Hines area 14 years ago. In Harney County, Cook worked for the Paiute Tribal Police prior to taking the position of police chief in Hines.
QUOTE: Cook is excited about the recent decision to share a police chief. “I think it’ll be beneficial for both cities,” he said. “The residents are going to have a good, solid police department.”

WHO: Burns Police Officer Newton Skunkcap
BORN and RAISED: Here in Harney County.
WORKED PREVIOUSLY: Skunkcap previously worked for the Paiute Tribal Police under Chief Cook for about three years before he was hired on as an officer on the Oregon Coast in the town of Reedsport. He spent about two years there before the lure of Harney County pulled him back. “From Reedsport, I jumped at the opportunity to come back home,” he said.
QUOTE: “I’m very excited to be back home. As a department, we’ll continue to progress and move forward.”