Huckleberries gone wireless: Chatting with CdA’s top cop

Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Wendy Carpenter has broken several gender barriers during her 30-year career with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. She was the department’s first female sergeant, lieutenant, captain and police chief. She will retire before Sept 30.

DFO: Is it hard for a woman to be a police officer?

WC: No. The biggest difference is at the end of the day I go in the women’s locker room and the men go in the men’s locker room.

DFO: Have you picked a retirement date?

WC: It’s a floating date. However, I intend to be done by the end of September. It depends on when the next chief can start.

DFO: What were you known for at Coeur d’Alene High (Class of 1975)?

WC: I was pretty quiet. But I had my moments. I hit a patrol car with an egg one Halloween, in the IGA lot. I was working with the department for six years when I finally admitted to the officer involved what I did. I ran track. I exercised racehorses. At 16, I went to the racetracks at Coeur d’Alene and Playfair to exercise horses. I had the intention of being a jockette. My parents were relieved when I decided to go to North Idaho College. But not when they learned that I had enrolled in law enforcement classes.

DFO: What is your least favorite part of being an officer?

WC: The bad things. Homicides. Fatality accidents. Not only dealing with the scene but dealing with the families. Suicides. Anything associated with death.

DFO: Was the shooting of Officer Mike Kralicek your worst experience as chief?

WC: Yes. Obviously, one of the highlights was when he woke up and took his first step.

DFO: What’s your husband think of your role in the community?

WC: I kept my maiden name when I got married. Tim hates to be called “Mr. Carpenter.” Or the “chief’s husband.” He’s retired ISP. He’s very supportive.

DFO: Is it a woman’s world in Coeur d’Alene? The town has a female mayor (Sandi Bloem), female administrator (Wendy Gabriel), female interim college president (Priscilla Bell), female representative on the state Board of Education (Sue Thilo), and, of course, a female police chief.

WC: We’re all professional people who are dedicated to our jobs. It’s not because we’re women, but because of our commitment.

DFO: What was one of the biggest surprises you’ve had as far as your expectations of the police chief job?

WC: I thought there would be a lot more politics. I’m blessed with a great mayor and council.

DFO: If you hadn’t become a police officer, what would you have been?

WC: I wanted to be a veterinarian. I love animals.

DFO: Are you a good shot?

WC: In my early years, yes; in my later years, not so good.

DFO: Which is your favorite all-time cop show?

WC: “NYPD Blue.” I like the acting. I’ve met (“NYPD Blue” actor) Dennis Franz (who lives on Lake Coeur d’Alene). He does our golf fundraiser. Nice guy.

DFO: What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you retire?

WC: We’re going to be snowbirds. I’m going down to Arizona in the winter and coming back in the summer. That’s why I said I will retire by Sept. 30. I like to hibernate in the winter.

DFO: What is something we’d never guess about you?

WC: I’m a homebody. I enjoy going to bed at 8 and getting up at 8. I can sit by the river and read a book (Likes: mysteries, John Grisham, Stephen King; dislikes: love stories, Westerns). I don’t need excitement in my life. Once I get home, it has to be a big excuse to get me out again.