Richland names new batch of police chief finalists. All 3 are from the Northwest
Nearly a year after Richland’s former police chief announced her retirement, the city is preparing to interview a new batch of finalists.
This will be the second time this year they’ve narrowed down the field to replace former Chief Brigit Clary.
Former Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl has been serving as the interim chief since the last search ended in April with no decision.
The city announced Thursday that three finalists will be interviewed in September at a special city council meeting, according to a news release.
The finalists are Kent Police Commander Chris Mills, Deputy Chief for Eastern Washington University Police Sean O’Laughlin and Woodburn, Ore. Police Chief Martin Pilcher.
“We are impressed with the caliber of these candidates and have no doubt that any one of them could lead our department with distinction and continue our pursuit of excellence,” said Jon Amundson, city manager. “Each of our finalists offers a distinct blend of professional backgrounds, leadership styles, and innovative approaches to law enforcement, positioning RPD for a dynamic future.”
The candidates will take part in a meet-and-greet from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists and attend a moderated discussion to learn more about them and their vision for the police department. Questions can be submitted ahead of time on the city’s website beginning next week.
The city will conduct final interviews the next day on Sept. 5. The candidates will participate in multiple panel interviews, a police department tour and a tour of the city.
Mosaic Public Partners was hired to assist in the nationwide search and selection process.
The city plans to make a decision after the interview process, contingent upon a successful background investigation.
The position’s annual salary range is $149,000 to $208,000, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs which conducted the first search.
The Richland department has 73 commissioned officers, 22 professional staff and also oversees the emergency dispatching services for Benton and Franklin counties.
About the candidates
Chris Mills
Chris Mills serves as a Commander for the Kent, Wash., Police Department. He has overseen various units, including Police Investigations, the Special Assault Unit, Special Investigations, the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Valley Special Weapons and Tactics, and the K9 Unit.
Mills is an Iraq War Veteran who served as an Infantry Team Leader and Infantry Scout Sniper in the Army. He holds a master’s in organizational leadership from California Coast University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.
Sean O’Laughlin
Sean O’Laughlin serves as the Deputy Chief for Eastern Washington University Police in Cheney, Wash., managing all field operations, investigations, property and evidence, budget, training, and hiring. He is also the department’s national accreditation manager for the IACLEA accreditation process, resulting in the agency receiving national accreditation.
O’Laughlin is an Executive Officer for the United States Coast Guard Reserve responsible for 105 personnel assigned to Port Security Unit 313. He has a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and a master’s in executive public administration from the University of Washington. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Martin Pilcher
Martin Pilcher serves as the chief of police in Woodburn, Ore., where he oversees 40 sworn police officers, three Community Service Officers, and about seven professional staff members. Prior to becoming Chief in 2021, he was the Deputy Chief since 2018. Pilcher also worked for the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator and spent the majority of his career with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, Calif.
Pilcher holds a master’s in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.
This story was originally published August 8, 2024 at 4:43 PM.
