Chief’s Message
To the Citizens and Visitors of Airway Heights,
As Chief of Police, it is both an honor and a privilege to lead the dedicated professionals of the Airway Heights Police Department. Our team—made up of sworn officers, civilian staff, and volunteers—shares a deep commitment to serving with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
Every interaction we have with our community is an opportunity to build trust, foster understanding, and strengthen the bonds that make Airway Heights a safe and welcoming place for all. Whether you live here, work here, or are simply visiting, we want you to know that your safety and well-being are our highest priorities.
We are proud to work in partnership with our residents, the Kalispel and Spokane Tribes, and all community stakeholders to meet the evolving needs of our city. Together, we are shaping a future rooted in transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.
Our pledge is simple: to serve with Excellence, Initiative, and Integrity—every day, in every interaction. We know that trust is earned, and we are committed to earning yours through consistent, compassionate, and professional service.
On behalf of the entire Airway Heights Police Department, thank you for your continued support and for allowing us the privilege of serving this incredible community.
With respect and gratitude,
Brad Richmond
Chief of Police
Airway Heights Police Department
Mission Statement
The Airway Heights Police Department is committed to serving our community with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. We strive to build trust through every interaction—whether with residents, business owners, tribal partners, or visitors—by fostering respectful relationships and delivering fair, transparent, and responsive policing.
Through collaboration with local, state, federal, and tribal entities, we work to ensure public safety, protect individual rights and property, and support those in need. Our mission is rooted in the belief that trust is earned through consistent service, and that every engagement is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community.
We pledge to uphold the values of Excellence, Initiative, and Integrity as we work to enhance the quality of life in Airway Heights. Those we serve deserve nothing less.
Philosophy Statement
We the members of the Airway Heights Police Department:
- Believe that the protection of life and property is our number one priority.
- Believe that officer safety is paramount.
- Will respect and protect the rights and dignity of all persons and utilize the utmost in courtesy and compassion in every contact we make.
- Will strive for excellence in the delivery of police service and will utilize training, technology, and innovation to accomplish our goal.
- Recognize the department’s relationship with the community it serves and will be sensitive to its citizens and business owners concerns, priorities and needs.
- We believe that Airway Heights is a unique community, in that we have two large casinos, a busy state route, a minimum security prison, a major airport, and an excellent Air Force Base situated within or adjoining us, and that we are an important part of our community’s success.
- Believe that crime prevention, problem solving and intervention are normally preferred to strict enforcement but, when enforcement is called for, the enforcement is done impartially throughout the community.
- Recognize the individual worth of each of its members.
- We will strive to support, develop and encourage every member to their full potential.
Our Core Values
At the Airway Heights Police Department, we are guided by three foundational values that shape every interaction and decision we make:
- Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in professionalism, accountability, and service. Through continuous improvement, we aim to meet the evolving needs of our community with skill, care, and dedication. - Initiative
We take proactive steps to address challenges, build partnerships, and create positive change. By anticipating needs and acting decisively, we work to prevent harm and promote safety. - Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and respect in all that we do. Trust is earned through ethical conduct, and we are committed to maintaining that trust with every engagement.