Paul Budrow returned to Twisp in the same color uniform, but different insignia.
He knew his way around the Twisp Civic Building and began work 8 am Monday on his first day back. After signing paperwork and taking the oath of office, Budrow said he “immediately” knocked on doors of houses known to be involved in illegal activities.
“We had knocks and talks. We talked to them and let them know that we’re in town. We’re going to be enforcing stuff,” he said.
“Our little terrorists, I mean, our little motorcyclists, they’ve been contacted. They’ve been told and warned twice now. Their third strike is going to be repossession of their vehicles, or their little motorcycles if they continue to drive on the roadways, which is illegal. Those are not electric bicycles…. those are considered motorcycles.”
“They do know. They were expecting it once I got here. They’re like, uh-oh, we’re in trouble now because Paul’s back, and so that’s in the works. I worked on Sunday. They weren’t expecting me to be on Sunday and they actually came around the corner and had deer in the headlight looks when I drove back down to their houses and said, okay, it’s your last chance.”
“There are so many things that need to be, I don’t want to say fixed but upgraded because they have been sitting for three years. So, we’re in the process of doing that…. We’re going to be enforcing the law as it needs to be.”
Budrow said he was familiar with the goings-on having been the head of the Sheriff’s Office, the contract agency for Twisp. He said he is looking forward to meeting with the public safety committee to discuss plans moving forward.
As for fully staffing the police department, Budrow said he needs to rewrite the job description and resolve some technical issues relating to posting the position. He estimated it would take 2-3 months before there could be a hire.
He said he preferred staggering levels of experience, with himself as the senior officer, a lateral hire with some senior time, and an up-and-coming officer.
Budrow said he is “worried” about fire season, attending meetings and watching out for mud slides.
“We’re working very closely with emergency management. As sheriff, I made all those connections and we still have those really, really strong connections.”
