Acting police chief ready to help new chief make smooth job transition

With the naming of a new police chief on the horizon, local officials are praising the work done by acting chief Julee Bunderson, who took over when former chief Tom Berry resigned for health reasons on Aug. 31.

The city is in the final stages of selecting a new police chief from more than 30 candidates who submitted applications from around the nation.

Bunderson has been with the Mountain Home Police Department for 26 1/2 years, and when she first learned she would be the acting chief, noted that "being the actual person to make actual decisions, it was kind of overwhelming."

Bunderson, a 1980 graduate of Boise State University, first worked as a deputy (with limited patrol ability) for Fairfield before joining the Mountain Home Police Department in June of 1981, working up to the position of lieutenant in the Detective Division in July of 2002.

When Bunderson first took over as chief, it didn't take her long to delegate authority, something she said that Chief Berry never gave her an opportunity to do while in the detectives division. Bunderson likes to use the chain of command (Chief Berry had an "open door" policy), and with that has delegated a lot of work among her fellow officers.

When the new police chief is selected, Bunderson will take the time to help the chief. She knows the strong and "very few" weak points of the department, now knows how to address city hall, something that was difficult for Bunderson, at first.

Bunderson hopes that the new chief sees the progression of the department, and the good people that keeps the department together. The department is open to whatever changes the chief will recommend and Bunderson said that she hopes he or she will judge the department on its merit.

Bunderson hopes to be made second in command, but she knows it's all up to whoever is appointed chief. In the meantime, Bunderson plans on applying for assistant chief or captain.

Bunderson has been grateful for the support she has received from citizens and the department, proving her ability to do the job and do it correctly.

"I appreciate the opportunity that Mayor McNeal and the city council gave me and the trust the city gave me to be the chief and lead the police department," said Bunderson.

Sgt. Rick Viola praised Bunderson and her efforts as chief,

"Lt. Bunderson as chief has done a superb job. She has kept the main policy of the department intact and that's keeping the community safe."

Viola described Bunderson as a "very level and objective thinker one who looks at all options," which, according to Viola is a key thing to look for when choosing a chief, "I think the department would echo me in that statement."

In her free time, Bunderson enjoys playing on her co-ed softball team, fishing, RV camping, and being with friends and family.