Ellensburg Police Department

10/14/2026

This Employee Appreciation series recognizes the dedicated Ellensburg Police Department team members whose experience, leadership, and service make a lasting difference in our organization and community. Please join us in celebrating Admin Sgt. Bender, Patrol Sgt. Brunk, Captain Clasen, and Animal Control Officer Monson for their years of commitment to public safety, professional excellence, and the people—and animals—of Ellensburg

Admin Sgt. Bender
Please join us in recognizing Admin Sgt. Josh Bender for 28 years of dedicated service with the Ellensburg Police Department.

Sgt. Bender began his EPD career as a Reserve Officer, serving for nearly a year before becoming a commissioned officer in 1998. Over the years, he has served the department and community in many capacities, including Patrol Officer, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, and now Administrative Sergeant.

Among his many contributions, Sgt. Bender helped establish EPD’s Anti-Crime Unit within Detectives. His experience, leadership, and commitment to public safety have made a lasting difference for EPD and the Ellensburg community.

Thank you, Sgt. Bender, for your continued service and dedication.

Patrol Sgt. Brunk
Please join us in recognizing Patrol Sgt. Brunk for 27 years of service with the Ellensburg Police Department.

Sgt. Brunk began his career with EPD as a Reserve Officer, serving for nearly a year before becoming a full-time commissioned officer in 1999. During his career, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Corporal, Detective, and now Patrol Sergeant.

His diverse experience and continued leadership support both the department and the community every day. Thank you, Sgt. Brunk, for your 27 years of service to Ellensburg.

Captain Clasen
Please join us in recognizing Captain Clasen for his many years of service to law enforcement and the Ellensburg community.

Captain Clasen has served with the Ellensburg Police Department for 23 years. Before joining EPD, he served as a Reserve Officer with the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office for two years and worked for Central Washington University Police Department for three and a half years.

With 28.5 years of cumulative law-enforcement experience, Captain Clasen brings extensive knowledge, leadership, and dedication to his role. Thank you, Captain Clasen, for your longstanding commitment to public safety and service.

Animal Control Officer Monson
Please join us in recognizing Animal Control Officer Monson for 15 years of dedicated service with the Ellensburg Police Department.

Before joining EPD, Officer Monson worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years and keeps her certification current, so she has been a vet tech for 26 years. For the past 15 years, she has been an essential member of our team and a compassionate voice for animals throughout our community.

Her commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and responsible pet ownership has made a meaningful difference for Ellensburg residents and their animals. Thank you, Officer Monson, for your care, dedication, and service.

10/12/2026

Great opportunity to receive free Narcan and learn how to administer it safely and effectively.

Join us and the Kittitas County Public Health Department TOMORROW, Tuesday, October 13th, from 3–5 PM at our Ellensburg office for a Community Conversation focused on overdose awareness, education, and community support.

📍 116 W. 3rd Ave., Ellensburg, WA

🗣️ Community conversation and open discussion
Overdose awareness and education
FREE NARCAN available for pickup
NARCAN training and overdose response education

Every conversation matters. Every life matters. And together, we can help our community be better prepared to save lives.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

Halloween Pet Safety: Keep the Spooky Fun Safe for Pets

Halloween can be exciting for people—but costumes, visitors, decorations, and treats can be stressful or hazardous for pets.

Help keep your pets safe this Halloween:

•Keep pets indoors or in a quiet, secure room during trick-or-treating to prevent escapes and reduce stress from costumes, doorbells, and strangers.

•Make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are current in case a pet slips out.

•Keep candy out of reach. Chocolate, xylitol-containing products, raisins, candy wrappers, and other treats can be dangerous if eaten.

•Watch for decoration hazards such as lit candles, electrical cords, fake cobwebs, glow sticks, small plastic pieces, and décor that can be chewed or swallowed.

•Choose pet costumes carefully. They should allow normal breathing, vision, movement, and access to the collar or harness. If your pet seems uncomfortable, skip the costume.

•When taking pets outside after dark, use a leash and consider reflective gear or a lighted collar.

A few simple precautions can help make Halloween safe and enjoyable for every member of the family.

10/07/2026

Local first responders have recently seen an increase in overdose calls. While many lives have been saved through the use of naloxone (Narcan) and prompt medical care, we want our community to recognize the warning signs and know how to respond.

The illicit drug supply is unpredictable. Substances—including counterfeit pills and other drugs—may contain opioids such as fentanyl without the person’s knowledge.

Signs of a possible opioid overdose include:
• Pale, blue, or purple lips and fingernails
• Cold, clammy skin
• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Slow or stopped heartbeat
• Snoring, gurgling, or choking sounds when the person cannot be awakened
• Tiny, pinpoint pupils
• Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
• Vomiting

If you suspect an overdose:
1. Administer naloxone if it is available.
2. Call 911 immediately.
3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
4. Place them on their side to help prevent choking.
5. Stay with them until emergency responders arrive.

If you are unsure whether someone is overdosing, treat it as an overdose and call 911.

10/06/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, the Ellensburg Police Department building will be illuminated in pink in support of survivors, families, caregivers, medical professionals, and everyone affected by breast cancer.

This serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, regular screenings, and standing together as a community.

To those currently fighting, those in remission, and those remembering loved ones: you are not alone.

10/02/2026

October is Code Enforcement Appreciation Month!

The City of Ellensburg proudly recognizes Code Enforcement Officer Addison Johnson and Code Enforcement Officer Kendell Bean for their dedication to keeping our community safe, clean, and welcoming.

Code enforcement is about more than addressing violations—it is about helping residents understand local requirements, responding to neighborhood concerns, supporting public safety, and preserving the quality of life that makes Ellensburg a great place to live, work, and visit.

Thank you, Officer Johnson and Officer Bean, for your professionalism, patience, and commitment to serving our community every day.

09/28/2026

Welcome, Central Washington University students!

We’re happy to have you—and your pets—in Ellensburg!

If you brought a dog or cat with you, please remember that all cats and dogs over 5 months old that live within Ellensburg city limits must be licensed. Licensing requires proof of a current Rabies vaccination and must be completed within 14 days of obtaining or bringing your pet to the City. Licenses are available through the Ellensburg Humane Society located at 1007 S Industrial Way.

A few important reminders from the City’s Animal Control ordinances:

Dogs must be under control and on a leash no longer than 8 feet whenever they are off their owner’s property, unless they are in a designated off-leash area.

Animals may not run at large or enter another person’s property without permission.

Please clean up after your pet and help keep our parks, neighborhoods, and sidewalks welcoming for everyone.

Looking for space for your dog to run and play? Ellensburg has two designated off-leash dog areas:

Rotary Park Off-Leash Area — Turn right when entering Rotary Park to find the fenced, 1.8-acre dog park.

Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park Off-Leash Area — Located at the end of the park road, around the tip of the pond. Please note: the IRRP access road is typically closed October through April; during that period, park at the Umptanum entrance or Rotary Park and walk in.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners. We hope you and your four-legged friends enjoy your time in Ellensburg!

09/25/2026

Flashback Friday: Then & Now — 2011 to 2026

A lot can change in 15 years—but dedication to serving our community remains the same. Take a look at some familiar faces from 2011 and where they are today:

1. J. Bender — Patrol Sergeant in 2011; now serving as Administrative Sergeant
2. R. Shull — Patrol Officer in 2011; now serving as a Detective
3. R. Cedeno — Patrol Sergeant in 2011; still serving as a Patrol Sergeant
4. J. Brunk — Patrol Corporal in 2011; now serving as a Patrol Sergeant
5. A. Hall — Patrol Officer in 2011; still serving as a Patrol Officer
6. R. Moore — Records Clerk in 2011; still serving as a Records Clerk
7. T. W**d — Detective in 2011; now serving as Detective Sergeant

Thank you to each of these dedicated team members for their continued service, leadership, and commitment to the Ellensburg community.

09/25/2026

EPD at Bite of the ’Burg!

Ellensburg Police Department had a great time connecting with new and returning Central Washington University students at this year’s Bite of the ’Burg!

This annual community tradition is a wonderful opportunity to welcome students back to Ellensburg, share information, meet local businesses and organizations, and celebrate everything our community has to offer.

Students also had the opportunity to try EPD’s mock field sobriety course while wearing impairment-simulation goggles. The activity offered a hands-on look at how impairment can affect balance, coordination, judgment, and the ability to safely operate a vehicle.

A special thank-you to the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce and all event sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for making this welcoming community event possible.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, and visit with our team. We enjoyed being part of the fun and look forward to a safe, successful school year for all CWU students.

Welcome back, Wildcats!