Meridian, Idaho, USA. This Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday dawn in Euskadi, Tracy Basterrechea will sworn in as the new Chief of Police in Meridian, Idaho. Basterrechea has served as the Deputy Chief of Police since 2009, and in recent weeks was acting Chief after Jeff Lavey, former Chief left the post to become the Executive Director of the Idaho Sheriffs Association. Of Basque descent, Basterrecha is a BSU graduate and has been with the Meridian Police Department for 24 years.
In a conversation with EuskalKultura.eus, Basterrechea talked about his heritage: "I am an American of Basque descent. My father, Luis Basterrechea, came to the United States from Arbatzegi-Gerrikaitz (Munitibar, Bizkaia) in 1952 with a sheepherder’s contract. I grew up in Gooding Idaho, with two brothers, Jeff and Rick. Growing up my family was always very involved in the Basque community and local festivals, where my father lifted the cylinder for many years. Today, my son Antonio, who is 17, and I both compete in carrying the Txingak at local festivals. I have also worked with the athletes from Euskadi during Jaialdi, organizing the sports, venues and overall care,” he said.
A committed police officer, Basterrechea is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kodokan Judo. For many years, he has taught police officers Arrest and Control Tactics and Use of Force. He harshly criticizedthe police officers who caused the death of George Floyd last year stating that those actions do not represent the police. Given the events this January at the US Capitol, he wrote on social media that "what is more disappointing is the people trying to defend it and the people who are condemning it, yet defended the burning and looting of cities earlier this year". He rejects extremist views "that certainly don't reflect our republic. We have to remember we are all neighbors, friends and family. We need to start acting like it. We are America, let's show the world why we are still the world’s beacon!", he said.
He thanks his father for teaching him the importance of hard work, dedication, faith in God and loyalty. Profoundly American and with a deep Basque feeling, Basque symbols and flags decorate his house, and he participates with his family at Basque festivals and meetings. In addition to this more festive aspect, his commitment led him for example to support and actively collaborated with the approval by the State of Idaho, of the Senate Joint Memorial No. 114 in Support of Peace in Euskadi that Pete Cenarrusa, then Secretary of State, prepared, testifying before the Idaho Legislature.
He still havs family around Gernika and Munitibar that he would like to vist when Covid-19 is over.
-You can follow his swearing in life today here (at 6 pm Mountain Time or 2:00am in Euskadi)
-Conference where he will present his policy as Police Chief, this Thursday the 28th here (6pm Mountain Time or Wedbesday 2am in Euskadi)
-The quick fix, by Tracy Basterrechea
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