City of Coeur d’Alene Announces Retirement of Police Chief Lee White

The City of Coeur d’Alene announces the upcoming retirement of Chief Lee White, who has served the Coeur d’Alene Police Department for more than a decade. Chief White will officially retire on January 14, 2026, concluding 11 years of dedicated leadership with the Department and a total of over 30 years in law enforcement.

Chief White joined the Department in 2014, bringing with him extensive experience from the Mesa, Arizona Police Department. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in strengthening community policing initiatives, modernizing department operations, and significantly reducing crime in the City of Coeur d’Alene. Under his leadership, the City saw a remarkable 78% drop in crime, even as the population grew by more than 22,000 residents. Today, Coeur d’Alene experiences fewer crime victims than it did in the 1980’s.

“Chief White’s commitment to public safety has helped make Coeur d’Alene a safer and more connected community. We are grateful for his service and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement” said Mayor Woody McEvers.

“I leave behind an amazing Police Department with fantastic employees,” said Chief White. “I know the officers of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department will continue to serve with pride and excellence, and it was the honor of my life to serve them and our citizens as chief.”

Mayor McEvers and the City Council will soon begin the recruitment process for Coeur d’Alene’s next Police Chief. #