HERMISTON — The city of Hermiston has put its police chief on paid leave and called in a retired law enforcement official from Hillsboro to look into officers’ complaints about his management practices.

The East Oregonian reported that Hermiston City Manager Ed Brookshier told the City Council on Monday that Police Chief Dan Coulombe would be on leave immediately and the review into his conduct will begin in October.

Ron Louie, police chief in Hillsboro from 1992 to 2007, will investigate the complaints against Coulombe.

Louie said he has done similar work for state and federal law enforcement agencies.

“He was a name that both parties agreed upon and comes highly recommended,” Brookshier said.

The paper reported that Coulombe makes $99,000 in annual salary.

‘Deplorable’ supervisor

The lawyer for the Hermiston Police Association, Jaime Goldberg, told the council that Coulombe is a deplorable supervisor, morale is low and the situation in the department is dire.

Coulombe’s lawyer, George Anderson, said putting the chief on leave would effectively end his career, demanded details of the vote by members of the police union to seek an investigation, and wondered whether Coulombe’s opposition to raises proposed in a contract being negotiated led to the complaints.

City officials had little to say afterward. Mayor Bob Severson had earlier said he backed Coulombe “100 percent” but left the meeting without comment.

“… I am very sad at the way this has all played out,” said Council President Jackie Myers. “I am looking forward to working with Mr. Louie and the employees of the police department to get this all sorted out.”

Residents urged a balanced approach.

“Blind support has been given to the police chief, but not to other officers,” said John Kirwan of Hermiston. “We are supposed to have open and honest communication with a system of checks and balances.”