Wapato Police Department

08/27/2026

08/19/2026

THANK YOU, WAPATO!

As Chief of Police, I want to personally thank everyone who came out and joined us for Wapato National Night Out.

Being from Wapato and now having the privilege of serving this community as your Chief of Police makes nights like this especially meaningful to me. Seeing our families, children, businesses, first responders, and community members come together is a reminder of what makes Wapato such a special place.

I also want to personally thank every business, organization, and individual who donated their time, food, prizes, resources, and financial support to help make National Night Out such a great success. Your generosity and willingness to step up for this community never go unnoticed.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who simply showed up. Building a strong community takes all of us. The relationships between our police department and the people we serve are important to me, and events like this give us an opportunity to come together as neighbors not just as police officers and citizens.

The support and involvement of the Wapato community are truly second to none. I am proud to be from Wapato, proud to serve this community, and proud of the positive direction we continue to move together.

On behalf of myself and the entire Wapato Police Department, thank you, Wapato.

08/17/2026

Join the Wapato Police Department tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for our annual National Night Out!

Spend an evening building a stronger, safer community alongside your neighbors and local police officers. Let’s stand together for a night out against crime!

What to expect:
Free Food: Enjoy delicious food on us.
Prizes & Giveaways: Fun items for all ages.
Kids' Raffle: Free entry to win brand-new bikes.
Adult Raffle: Gift certificates to local businesses.

Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and help us celebrate community safety. We can't wait to see you there!

¡Únete al Departamento de Policía de Wapato mañana, martes 18 de agosto de 2026, de 5:00 PM a 8:00 PM, para nuestra Noche Nacional Anual!

Pasa una noche construyendo una comunidad más fuerte y segura junto a tus vecinos y policías locales. ¡Unámonos para una noche contra el crimen!

Qué esperar:

Comida gratis: Disfruta de comida deliciosa por nuestra cuenta.
Premios y Sorteos: Artículos divertidos para todas las edades.
Rifa para niños: Entrada gratuita para ganar bicicletas nuevas.
Rifa para adultos: Certificados de regalo para negocios locales.

Lleva a tu familia, conoce a tus vecinos y ayúdanos a celebrar la seguridad en la comunidad. ¡Estamos ansiosos por verte ahí!

08/07/2026

A Heartfelt Thank You to Judy Canapo and BJ’s Coffee Barn

I want to take a moment to publicly recognize an incredible member of our Wapato community, Judy Canapo, owner of BJ’s Coffee Barn.

From the very first week I started as Chief of Police, Judy has been 100% supportive of me, the Wapato Police Department, and the men and women who serve this community. Her kindness, generosity, and commitment to Wapato have never wavered.

Judy’s generosity is truly second to none. She gives from the heart, asks for nothing in return, and continually looks for ways to support our community. She is an example that everyone should follow when it comes to giving back and taking care of the people around us.

Most recently, Judy stepped forward and donated 10 bicycles for our upcoming National Night Out. When we began planning this event, I could have never expected that level of generosity. Ten bicycles that will go directly toward making this event special for the children and families of our community is simply incredible. Judy went above and beyond anything I could have asked for or imagined.

And this is not an isolated act of kindness. Judy doesn’t just talk about supporting Wapato she demonstrates it through her actions time and time again. Whether she is supporting our officers, contributing to community events, Judy continually shows what it means to genuinely care about Wapato and its people.

People like Judy are part of what makes this community special. Her generosity, compassion, and dedication do not go unnoticed.

On behalf of myself, the men and women of the Wapato Police Department, and the entire City of Wapato, thank you, Judy, for everything you have done and everything you continue to do.

Your generosity is second to none, your support means more than you know, and the example you set for others makes Wapato a better place.

Thank you, Judy, and thank you BJ’s Coffee Barn for continuing to invest in our community.

— Chief Craig Janis
Wapato Police Department

08/06/2026

Today we honor and remember the life of Marine Sergeant Yadir Reynoso.

On this day, August 5, we pause to remember a true Wapato hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in 2004. Sergeant Reynoso represented the very best of our community—demonstrating immense bravery, dedication, and selflessness.

The Wapato Police Department stands in solemn remembrance of his service. We extend our deepest gratitude and continued support to his family, friends, and loved ones.He is gone, but he will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Sergeant Reynoso.

Today we honor and remember the life of Marine Sergeant Yadir Reynoso. Gone but not forgotten (08/05/04). Sgt Reynoso was from Wapato, Washington.

08/05/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT: 9th Street Closure 🛑Wapato drivers, please plan ahead! 9th Street is temporarily closed today while our Public Works crew applies fresh paint on the street stripes. 🚧🎨

Where: 9th Street (full closure)
Why: Street striping and maintenance
Impact: Expect delays, use alternate routes

Please drive safely, watch for crew members, and avoid driving over wet paint. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep Wapato's roads safe and clearly marked! 🚗💨

08/04/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC NOTICE – INTERMITTENT INTERSECTION CLOSURES 🚧

The Wapato Police Department would like to advise the Wapato community that there will be intermittent intersection and roadway closures while City of Wapato Public Works crews repaint crosswalks and traffic lines.

Today, August 4: Crews will be working along S. Wapato Avenue.

Tomorrow, August 5: Crews will be working along W. First Street.

Motorists should expect brief delays and intermittent closures in these areas. Please use caution, slow down around work crews, and follow any traffic-control directions.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as Public Works completes these improvements to help keep our roadways safe and clearly marked.

08/03/2026

Honoring Our Fallen: The Law Enforcement Memorial Garden Unveiling 🕊️🌿

Today, members of the Wapato Police Department joined our law enforcement family and community at the Yakima Police Department to dedicate a sacred new space: the Law Enforcement Memorial Garden.

This beautiful tribute stands as a permanent honor to all officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The garden is specifically dedicated to the memory of the late Sgt. Joe Deccio (End of Watch: August 3, 2021).

Sgt. Deccio was a dedicated 15-year veteran, a protector of the Yakima Valley, an Army National Guard veteran, and a deeply loved husband and father.

We were incredibly proud to have our very own Sgt. Mike Deccio stand before the community today as a guest speaker. Speaking on behalf of the Deccio family, his powerful words reminded us all of the deep bonds of brotherhood and family that tie our departments together.

As you look at these photos from today's ceremony, we ask that you pause to remember the profound sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every single day. We put on the badge to protect our communities, and we will never forget those who gave everything to keep us safe.

Please join us in sending our continued love, respect, and prayers to the Deccio family and to all families of our fallen heroes.

07/28/2026

Today, the Wapato Police Department would like to recognize two young men who often spend their days in our city park seeking relief from the summer heat. Like many members of our community, they simply wanted an opportunity to help.

After graffiti appeared overnight, they were asked if they would be willing to assist in covering it up. Without hesitation, they both immediately said yes.

Their willingness to volunteer their time and effort serves as a reminder that a person’s circumstances do not define their character. Every member of our community has something positive to contribute when given the opportunity.

As a small token of appreciation, Chief Janis treated them to lunch to thank them for stepping up and helping make Wapato a little better today.

The Wapato Police Department believes that building a stronger community isn’t just about enforcing laws it’s about building relationships, treating people with dignity and respect, and recognizing acts of kindness wherever they come from.
It truly takes an entire community working together to keep Wapato clean, safe, and welcoming. Today’s efforts are proof that when we look beyond labels and work together, we can accomplish great things.

To these two young men: Thank you. Your hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to give back did not go unnoticed. We appreciate you, and we hope others will be inspired by your example.