HAINES CITY NAMES NEW POLICE AND FIRE CHIEF HAINES CITY, FL – City Manager, Deric C. Feacher, announces James R. Elensky as Haines City’s Chief of Police, and Timothy Mossgrove as the new Fire Chief. “After meeting with both Chiefs, it became apparent they have the same vision I…
Track legend lending his expertise as volunteer coach at Columbia River
Olympian, former WSU coach Rick Sloan helping throwers
Published: April 30, 2021, 6:05am
Share: Columbia River volunteer coach Rick Sloan instructs freshman Logan DeJong, his eldest granddaughter, during a 2A Greater St. Helens League meet at Woodland High School. Sloan, 74, was a participant at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, placing seventh in the decathlon. He went on to have a 41-year coaching career at Washington State. (Joshua Hart/The Columbian)
When scores of track and field athletes, coaches and fans converge at Ridgefield High School for Friday’s 2A sub-district meet, many won’t realize there’s a track and field legend walking among them.
Feacher could not immediately be reached Tuesday.
The hiring takes Feacher to the city where he spent his college years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.
“I wish him the best,” Haines City Mayor Morris West said. “I’m thankful for the time he was here to serve the city of Haines City. I’m wishing he does a great job in the city of Daytona Beach.”
Feacher, 44, was hired in Haines City in October 2017. He had previously spent nearly four years as city manager in Winter Haven.
Feacher came to Haines City at a time of turmoil. Rick Sloan, the fourth city manager in six years, had just resigned, and four department heads had recently departed. West said Feacher helped bring stability to the city with only one department head leaving during his tenure.