Post Falls police chief will retire

Clifford Hayes, the police chief of Post Falls for more than two decades, is retiring, the city announced today. Hayes, 58, has worked for the Post Falls Police Department since 1983. His last day will be July 31. Mayor Clay Larkin intends to appoint Police Capt. Scot Haug to the chief’s position. The City Council would vote to confirm the appointment on July 21, City Administrator Eric Keck said. “Chief Hayes leaves behind a very well organized and successful organization that is viewed by many as the most technologically advanced department within the State of Idaho and a department that is also highly respected nationally,” Keck said in a press release. Hayes began in 1983 providing dispatching services for fire, medical and police services in Post Falls. He moved to patrol officer in 1984, became a detective sergeant in 1986, and was named chief in 1988. He also has filled in as city administrator three times, beginning in 1990, 1993 and 1996. The city had 6,000 residents and the department had 14 employees when Hayes joined the city. Post Falls now has more than 26,000 residents, and the police department has grown to 65 fulltime employees, two parttime and 26 volunteers. Mayor Clay Larkin stated, “Cliff has created an incredibly well run organization and implemented technologies that many state and other local law enforcement agencies covet and envy. Cliff has been an incredibly important part of the community’s success and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He certainly will leave a lasting legacy.” In his letter of retirement addressed to the mayor, Hayes said, “While I look forward to enjoying my retirement, I will miss working for the Post Falls Police Department. I am proud of the quality of employees we have here.” Hayes and his wife Jeanne have five children: Lisa, Jennifer, Melissa, John and Natalie. They live in Post Falls.