Woodland’s Town Hall was filled with local law enforcement and community members on Monday, Oct. 21, as Robert Gibbs was officially appointed as the city’s new police chief during its regular City Council meeting.
Gibbs, who served in the U.S. Army for seven years, joined the Woodland Police Department as a patrol officer in 2015. Five years into his career, he was promoted to patrol sergeant and shortly after that to lieutenant. He was named interim chief in September.
Locals and law enforcers from the area, including members of the Cowlitz Chaplaincy, filled the City Council room in support of Gibbs’ appointment. Expressing his gratitude and excitement for the new role, Gibbs acknowledged the support of his fellow officers.
“Everyone’s making a big what-for about me tonight, and let’s be honest, this isn’t about me. This is about the officers who [came] here, and that’s who I represent [and] work for,” Gibbs said shortly after his oath of office. “I will come here every day to earn that respect. I will be accountable, I will serve those officers and the community to the best of my ability. I just want to say thank you to the Woodland Police Department because they’re the ones who deserve a round of applause.”
Gibbs’ immediate priority as chief is to address the department’s staffing needs. On the day of his appointment, he hired a new patrol officer and aims to recruit two more. He also plans to promote a detective once the patrol vacancies are filled and to strengthen the department’s training programs.
Gibbs’ promotion to chief followed a unanimous decision by the council. He replaces former Chief Jim Kelly, who resigned on Sept. 6. Mayor Todd Dinehart had sought feedback from the local police guild regarding Gibbs’ performance, and during the meeting, he read a letter from the Woodland Police Officers’ Association (WPOA), signed by all 11 members.
The letter praised Gibbs’ leadership, noting that it had empowered guild members and expressing full confidence in his abilities.
“... We do not doubt that Lieutenant Gibbs will make the WPOA, as well as the citizens of Woodland proud, should he be given the opportunity. Please know that Lieutenant Robert Gibbs has our full support and we welcome any conversation on this matter,” the letter stated.
Under his new contract, Gibbs will receive a monthly salary of $10,654, with cost-of-living adjustments expected in the future.
“I am super excited to be the new [police] chief of Woodland. I am ready, capable and willing to earn the respect and trust of our community,” Gibbs told The Reflector.
