Autumn Thames Named Interim Chief

The Olney City Council appointed Olney Police Department Detective Autumn Thames as interim police chief, following the resignation of Chief Dan Birbeck, who left to lead the police department in Vernon.

The council emerged from executive session during its June 23 regular meeting and swiftly approved the interim appointment along with a monthly stipend to accompany Interim Chief Thames’ new responsibilities.

Chief Thames, a long-serving police officer and law enforcement educator, said she was honored to step into the role and committed to continuing the work Chief Birbeck began.

“Chief Birbeck had some very big shoes to fill,” Chief Thames said. “We want to continue all the excellent things that he did—especially the strong relationships with citizens, providing quality service, answering 911 calls promptly, and making sure cases are worked so that people receive justice.”

Her appointment comes at a time of transition and challenge for the department, which is currently operating short-staffed. Chief Thames confirmed the department is down three officers but said she has the Council’s support to hire at least one patrolman.

“We do have applicants,” she said. “We just have to go through background checks and the standard things we do before hiring.”

Mayor Rue Rogers praised the council’s choice, noting Chief Thames’s experience and dedication to public service. “She’s already earned the respect of the department and this community,” he said.

The council did not set a timeline for naming a permanent police chief, but Chief Thames said she advised them it would be beneficial to fill the role sooner rather than later. “I just said we were short, so it would be beneficial to be quicker rather than later,” she said.

For now, Chief Thames said her focus is on stability, service, and accountability. “We want to continue giving good service and making sure the citizens of Olney know they can count on us,” she said.

Chief Thames said she will not consider taking the chief ’s job permanently because she and her husband operate a family farm near Burkburnett, and the Olney city charter requires the chief of police to live within the city limits.