Derek Beairsto, formerly with the Chehalis Police Department, has been sworn in as the newest police officer with the Centralia Police Department.
The 2020 Centralia High School graduate and former Centralia College baseball pitcher took his oath in front of the Centralia City Council Tuesday night and read the code of ethics before his wife, Kylie, pinned his badge on his uniform.
Beairsto graduated from the police academy in 2023 and was sworn in as a Chehalis officer on Nov. 27, 2023. Centralia Police Chief Andy Caldwell thanked Beairsto for making the transition back to his home city.
“It’s a great privilege to get lateral officers because it tells us we’re doing something right. It tells us that we’re creating an environment where people want to come work, and it’s not just the officers. It’s the community,” Caldwell said.
Councilor Mark Westley noted that the swearing-in ceremony marked a reunion of sorts between Westley and the Beairstos.
“Derek was in my eighth grade math class, and I coached Kylie in basketball,” Westley said. “I would just like to say congratulations and welcome home. This is really a surreal moment, but I’m really proud of you both and wish you nothing but the best of luck.”
Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston expressed support for Beairsto and his family and welcomed them back to the community.
“On behalf of the city council, we welcome you. We do have high standards. We appreciate the code of ethics being read, but we also have your back,” Smith Johnston said. “We very much value the contribution you make to our community, and we look forward to serving with you. We understand the impact it has on your family, so we support you as well and thank you for your sacrifice.”
