BPD swears in two new officers, more to join

The Blaine Police Department (BPD) hired two new officers who were sworn-in June 1 at city hall. Jordan Maphumulo, 31, and Katelyn Weaver, 27, who worked together at the Western Washington University Police Department, both said they chose to serve the city of Blaine due to its values and philosophy.

At the ceremony, mayor pro tempore and city councilmember Mary Lou Steward swore in officers Maphumulo and Weaver, and chief of police Donnell Tanksley presented each of them with the BPD badge. The families of the new officers, BPD officers and other city officials witnessed the small swearing-in ceremony in city council chambers.

With five and three years’ experience in law enforcement and coming from WWU, where Tanksley previously worked as assistant chief of police from 2014 to 2017, Tanksley said Maphumulo and Weaver will make a great addition to the Blaine police force and community.

Maphumulo, who graduated from WWU with a degree in sociology, said he chose a career in law enforcement because he wanted to do something that would outlast himself.

“I wanted to work in a profession that would afford me the opportunity to serve and make tangible change in people’s lives,” he said. “I also enjoy the fact that no two days are the same in this job. Each day is new and exciting and you never know what challenges you’re going to face.”

Weaver, who graduated magna cum laude with a degree in criminal justice from Corban University in Salem, Oregon, said she wanted to work for a small community with strong values that felt like a place where she could invest her time both on and off duty.

Tanksley said before the ceremony this might be the first time in 20 years that BPD has had a female officer. “But don’t quote me on that,” he joked.

It’s the first time the police department has hired two officers at the same time since 2007. And the department has more positions to fill before summer is up, Tanksley said.

Following lieutenant Ryan King’s retirement in April and a sergeant vacancy, BPD has been left with holes in its ranks.

Tanksley said the department will be promoting a sergeant to lieutenant, two officers to sergeants and hiring two more officers this summer.

BPD has 12 commissioned officers, and a total of 16 people on staff.