Bellevue's new marshal, Tim Green, demonstrated his proactive approach to law enforcement Thursday, Aug. 11, at the regular City Council meeting. In his first week on the job, Green had a few suggestions to improve his department.
During budget discussions, Green requested the council reconsider its decision to eliminate a funding request for an evidence room.
Green received the council's approval after presenting a cost-friendly alternative to update the city's evidence room facility. Green proposed an approximate $2,000 update in lieu of a previous $10,000 request that the council denied in July.
The suggestion came from an experienced law enforcement officer, who said he is excited to serve Bellevue.
"This is the best place to be. The people I have met in this community are absolutely awesome," Green said.
Green arrived last week from Twin Falls to replace interim Marshal Scott Smyth, who left the department to finish his education. Smyth had replaced longtime Bellevue Marshal Randy Tremble, who departed in June.
"For my entire career this has been my destiny, I guess," Green said.
Green brings a depth of experience, including a criminal-justice degree with a law enforcement emphasis and an associate's degree in the administration of justice.
His experience is rooted in military law enforcement. During his years of service, Green worked as a dog handler to protect the interior and exterior of U.S. Air Force bases. Working as a dog handler to detect intruders, explosives and drugs, Green visited the Philippines, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
Later, Green brought his canine policing skills to Idaho. After leaving the military, he started the Idaho Police Canine Association and the Twin Falls' Patrol Drug program. He is currently a certified trainer for the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training.
"Dogs are such an integral part in safety and early detection for bad guys and narcotics," Green said.
Green's canine experience enables Bellevue to continue to utilize Dino, the city's German shepherd drug-sniffing dog, to provide drug-search and officer-protection assistance. Smyth's resignation and budgetary constraints had called the dog's future into question this summer.
Green and Dino are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of training before Dino returns to service.
In addition to certifying the city's dog, Green said he will seek to fill a vacant first-line supervisor position on the Bellevue police force.
"I have my work cut out for me doing this job," he said.
Bellevue Marshal Tim Green came aboard with the city last week. Photo by David N. Seelig
