City of Airway Heights

01/15/2025

If you talk to Daryl Kennedy, you’ll quickly learn he likes solving problems, creating calm in chaos, and helping people in his community. That’s why he’s such an incredible role model and volunteer.

Daryl came to firefighting by way of a kitchen. It seemed a better career fit.

"I had family who worked fires, and I always loved their stories," Daryl said. "I used to go to the fire department when my aunt worked just to hang out. It was something I was always interested in.”

So Daryl left behind his cooking career and graduated from a Fire Sciences program. Now, he works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for a Spokane ambulance company and volunteers with the Airway Heights Fire Department.

For Daryl, the work boils down to a simple concept—community. “I like being able to help somebody on what could be their worst day,” Daryl explained. Airway Heights is a great place to volunteer. It’s a second family. I know I can call any of my coworkers at any time, and it goes both ways. We are a very tight, family-oriented group."

We’re so glad you joined our team, Daryl! Thank you for your hard work, risk, and sacrifice over the last five years. (Oh- and by the way- we're counting on you to cook for us on your next shift!)

01/13/2025

Airway Heights Police Department is Hiring Lateral & Intermediate Lateral officers! Experienced Officers Wanted- Advance Your Career in Law Enforcement.

Are you an experienced law enforcement professional looking for a new opportunity? Join a dynamic department that values your skills and experience. We are looking for experienced officers with strong leadership and interpersonal skills, a commitment to community-oriented policing, and a desire to work in a supportive and progressive department.

Why join the Airway Heights Police Department?
-COMPETITIVE PAY
-TAKE HOME VEHICLE
-CITY-PROVIDED VEBA PLAN
-6.2% MATCHING DEFERRED COMP
-NO SSI DEDUCTIONS
-10/40 SHIFTS W/4&5 DAYS OFF BETWEEN WORK WEEKS
-11 PAID HOLIDAYS AND 4 PERSONAL HOLIDAYS
-UNIFORM ALLOWANCE $1,500.00/YEAR
-SPECIALTY/EDUCATIONAL/LONGEVITY PAY INCENTIVES
-EXTRA DUTY OPPORTUNITIES
-MEMBERSHIP TO THE AIRWAY HEIGHTS RECREATIONAL CENTER

Lateral Police Officer Job Apply Link: https://cawh.bamboohr.com/careers/37?source=aWQ9MjM%3D
Intermediate Lateral Police Officer Job Apply Link: https://cawh.bamboohr.com/careers/36?source=aWQ9MjM%3D

01/09/2025

Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to recognizing our law enforcement officers' hard work and dedication. I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and selfless officers.

While I’m not one to chase or seek thanks for my service, I feel it’s important to shine a light on the incredible team I work with daily. These men and women are the backbone of our community’s safety and well-being, consistently going above and beyond to ensure that the West Plains remains safe and welcoming for all its residents.

Our law enforcement officers face challenges daily, and they do so with unwavering commitment and professionalism. Whether they respond to emergencies, engage with the community, or simply be a reassuring presence, their work is invaluable.

I want to express my deep appreciation for my fellow officers and encourage everyone in our community to do the same. A simple thank you, a wave, or a kind word can go a long way in showing our support and gratitude for their service.

Let’s make sure our officers know how much we value their dedication and sacrifice. Together, we can create a community that feels safe and is united in appreciation for those who protect us.

Thank you to all the law enforcement officers in Airway Heights and beyond. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for all you do!

Stay safe and take care,

Brad Richmond
Chief of Police
Airway Heights Police Department

01/08/2025

The Airway Heights Police Department is looking for a Victim Services Advocate to focus on supporting victims of violence.

To apply for a Victim Services Advocate position or to learn more about West Plains Victim Services, click here https://cawh.bamboohr.com/careers/71?source=aWQ9MTk%3D.

01/01/2025

We wish you a safe, joyful, and prosperous New Year.

12/27/2024

Meet some of Santa's elves working hard and making a difference in families' lives this holiday season. Airway Heights city leaders participated in the Tree of Sharing and gathered gifts for eight families. We are proud and grateful to help Spokane’s unique Tree of Sharing program celebrate its 43rd year, supporting an average of 6,000 community members yearly. Thank you! Happy Holidays from all of us to you and your loved ones.

12/26/2024

The Airway Heights Police Department is looking for a Victim Services Advocate to focus on supporting victims of violence.

To apply for a Victim Services Advocate position or to learn more about West Plains Victim Services, click here https://cawh.bamboohr.com/careers/71?source=aWQ9MTk%3D.

12/25/2024

The City of Airway Heights wishes you a safe, enjoyable holiday season. Whether you commemorate Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanzaa, we hope you treasure your time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. We are grateful to be able to serve our neighbors and to live in this vibrant, diverse, and caring community. Happy Holidays!

12/19/2024

Community Questionnaire Links:
English- https://form.typeform.com/to/QWA7uCzr
Spanish- https://form.typeform.com/to/B1hRjNWb
Marshallese- https://form.typeform.com/to/BaSDaJk5

12/18/2024

City Facebook Policy Amendment

The City of Airway Heights operates and maintains its social media sites as a public service to our community.

We provide information about city programs, services, projects, issues, events, and activities. These sites are limited public forums. Accordingly, the City is discontinuing the ability for anyone to comment on its page. It will continue posting information and providing updates regarding city programs, services, projects, issues, events, and activities. The City of Airway Heights encourages you to use the 👍, 👎, or other emojis available to provide feedback. In an effort to remain transparent, this action is being taken because the City’s page is considered a government-limited public forum.

12/16/2024

Santa’s elves showed up in force in Airway Heights to share the holiday spirit with 26 West Plains elementary students who went on a Walmart shopping spree with their very own personal shoppers during the Annual Shop with a First Responder event.

Their parents called the Shop with a First Responder event a dream come true.

Brandi knows how much the Walmart shopping spree means to her two children, 8-year-old Zoe and her 7-year-old brother, Michael.

“This is something they've never experienced,” Brandi explained through her tears of gratitude. “They just picked out toys and toys and toys. We’re so grateful for it.”

Just ask 7-year-old Niko’s mom, Nevaeh. Niko used his Walmart money to shop for his whole family with extra help from a police officer. Neveah knows the memories will stay with her son for years.

"We're eating pizza and wrapping gifts," Neveah said. "We’re making cupcakes and hot cocoa. It is nice and heartwarming to live in such a great community and have these kinds of things happen."

That response is precisely why Airway Heights Corporal Adam Johnson helps organize the yearly event. "It is amazing to see these kids so excited," Johnson said. He knows it is a chance to share the holiday joy and build bridges between community members and first responders.

Thanks to Walmart, generous donors, and first responders for helping children's holiday dreams come true. Santa might be close to 3,000 miles away at his North Pole workshop, but we saw his holiday spirit in Airway Heights.

12/15/2024

Embrace Washington blesses the lives of children in foster care, one child at a time. We were honored to attend their annual Santa Breakfast for children in foster care on Saturday morning. Thanks to Embrace Washington for building a brighter future for children in foster care. You can learn more about Embrace Washington at their website: https://embracewa.org/.

12/14/2024

Airway Heights Police Chief Brad Richmond calls a $545,464 state grant a “phenomenal opportunity” for the community.

Washington’s Attorney General announced the award, the largest one presented to a dozen Washington state law enforcement agencies.

Airway Heights plans to use the $545,464 two-year grant to create and staff the West Plains Victims of Violence Support Services program. Safety advocates hired through the grant will work with violent crime victims to help them navigate criminal justice, behavioral health, and social services systems, challenging even for someone not in crisis.

"The advocates will work with our domestic violence detective to provide the services victims need," said Chief Richmond. "It will be a collaborative effort to not only hold those criminals accountable but also facilitate and advocate for victims of their crimes."

The new advocates will continue to build on the success of the West Plains Crisis Response Team (CRT). Established in 2023, the CRT is a cooperative effort between Airway Heights and Cheney Police that pairs an officer with a licensed mental health clinician to help people caught in crisis. Since its inception, CRT team members have responded to over 2,000 crisis calls and served more than 700 people. While the CRT's work is invaluable, leaders want to provide more comprehensive support services for victims of violence.

"It's just a different approach to public service," explained Chief Richmond. "We cannot arrest our way out of these problems. This approach will allow us to hold the criminal accountable and help our community facilitate for the future and advocate for the victims to ensure they can get the services they need."

The one-time funding results from a lawsuit enforcing Washington's ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines.

We are grateful for the state’s support and eager to take another step to protect and assist our community's most vulnerable.

12/12/2024

An Airway Heights family will celebrate the holidays in their own home thanks to Habitat for Humanity-Spokane.

Majok and Nyibol received their keys to a new Highland Village Phase II home.

“Buying this home is the end of a very long journey for my family,” said Majok.

He explained he was a child soldier in South Sudan until war broke out, and he moved to the United States in 2001. In 2010, he returned to Africa and married Nyibol. Four of their children live with her parents in Kenya as the two worked to find a permanent home in the Spokane area.

Nyibol fulfilled the partnership work required by Habitat while carrying the couple's fifth child. Soon, the one-year-old's siblings will join the family in Airway Heights. We told you earlier this year that the project, located just north of Highway 2, includes 16 homes available for homeownership through Habitat for Humanity.

Perhaps Nyibol put it best. “I want to thank God and his blessing that helped us get to this point,” she said. “I also want to thank the donors and sponsors who helped to make this home affordable for us.”

Welcome home! We are thrilled you are part of our community and can’t wait to meet the rest of your family. Happy Holidays in your new home.

12/12/2024

Santa wrapped up his 2024 Annual Santa Cruise in Airway Heights Wednesday night! We bet he is exhausted! First responders spent four nights with Santa, spreading holiday joy throughout our community with the final hurrah at Sunset Park for all who might have missed his neighborhood tours. Thank you, Santa, for sharing holiday magic with our friends, family, and neighbors. You know just how special the Airway Heights community is! Now rest up for your big night later this month.

12/12/2024

Santa is cruising the streets of Airway Heights tonight (starting at 5 p.m.). You can watch his progress at this tracker link. If you miss him, you can meet Santa in person at 7 pm at Sunset Park.

Santa 2024 would like to share my location with you. Click here to see live updates.

12/11/2024

Tonight (Wednesday, December 11th) is the last night for the 2024 Annual Santa Cruise in Airway Heights. Santa and his friends will be spreading holiday joy throughout our community. Starting at 5 pm, you can follow his progress with the Santa Tracker on our page. If you miss Santa during his travels, you can meet him tonight (Wednesday, December 11th) at Sunset Park next to the Christmas tree starting at 7 pm.

12/11/2024

Tuesday, Santa and his crew of first responders made their way through the neighborhoods of our community, spreading good cheer along the way. Santa and his friends return Wednesday at 5 pm. Please watch this page for updates 🎄🎄🎄