Zack Searby, the Chehalis Police Department’s newest officer, was sworn in by Police Chief Randy Kaut during a Chehalis City Council meeting Monday, March 24.
Searby recently graduated from the police academy and received his badge from his wife of six years.
Kaut also highlighted officer Brady Hinds, who received a traffic safety officer award on March 14 through the local traffic safety task force. Hinds was nominated by members of the Chehalis Police Department for his enforcement of traffic safety, as he led all officers in 2024 in traffic stops, performing about a quarter of the total traffic stops for the department.
Hinds conducted 569 traffic stops, 26 suspended license arrests and five driving under the influence arrests, wrote 94 infractions, and investigated 38 traffic collisions. He also led the department in calls for service, arrests and reported incidents that he handled.
“Overall, he has been a great member of our department. He’s done a lot of work, and I just want to recognize him tonight in front of you,” Kaut said.
