Council votes Marchand in as new Police Chief
The Pocatello City Council officially confirmed Scott Marchand as the city’s new police chief Thursday night, despite word that there may have been controversy surrounding the vote.
The process went as smoothly as anyone could imagine. The vote was unanimous and council member Roger Bray spoke up to say that everyone on the council was confident about the decision.
Marchand was voted in as chief to a round of applause by the packed house in the city council chambers, saying he was humbled and honored to take the position. He said he is excited to get started and is ready to learn from the people around him.
When it comes to one of the chief’s biggest responsibilities, the budget, Marchand said he has, and will, get guidance from his former partner Capt. Peterson, Capt. Felsman and city CFO Dave Swindell.
Marchand said he wants to reinstate the citizen’s advisory board, and he can’t wait to get out in the community.
“I love this place. I love this community. I have a lot to lose here, you know, and I won’t fail. I’ll tell you that, I won’t fail,” Marchand said.
In response to recent criticism by former police chief J.R. Miller, Marchand said it only made him a stronger person. He said he’s ready to go and ready to make the police department an active part of the community.
The council also passed a $2.4 million budget amendment. Swindell said most of the money is being moved around internally, and the majority of it is needed for the city to cover the city’s medical insurance, which it runs internally.
