Mayor Randy Watts announced Tuesday that Russ Roper, who began as a reserve officer and rose to captain, is his choice for police chief.

If the City Council signs off next week, as expected, Roper will replace Richard Hendricks, who had been chief for the past 12 years.

Watts said Hendricks left the department in such good condition that an inside choice made sense for his replacement.

"It's been rolling in the right direction," the mayor said.

Watts said he and Hendricks discussed the chief's departure. "We had a mutual agreement that the time was right for Rich," he said.

The chief marks the first department head to change since Watts became mayor in January, although Watts did eliminate the job of city administrator and took on those duties himself.

Roper first became a reserve officer at age 19 and worked as a Twin Falls County, Idaho, sheriff's deputy and Idaho state trooper before joining Logan's force 19 years ago.

In Logan, he began the Citizens' Police Academy, which is a way for residents to collaborate with police.

Watts and Roper said the department's top priorities would be to scrutinize the budget and determine whether money can be freed up to boost officer pay so they are not inclined to bolt for other police departments.

A few officers have left for better pay, Roper said.

"I'm really looking forward to this," he added.

kmoulton@sltrib.com

Russ Roper

Age: 44.

Background: Born in Logan, reared on a farm in Grace, Idaho.

Education: Bachelor¹s in business management from the Western Governors University; FBI National Academy and Executive Command College; associate degree in law enforcement, College of Southern Idaho.

Police experience: Began as reserve officer 19 years ago, has held every rank in Logan.

Chief's responsibilities: More than 100 employees, including 65 sworn officers.