City Begins Hiring Process for New Police Chief

Olney Mayor Rue Rogers announced that the City has received six to eight applications for the Chief of Police position vacated by former Chief Dan Birbeck, who left in May to lead the Vernon Police Department. “We are at the point now where we need to start the hiring process,” Mayor Rogers said during the July 23 City Council meeting. He proposed forming a committee to review applications, which will include himself, Interim Police Chief Autumn Thames, City Administrator Simon Dwyer, Councilmember Steven Nurre, and Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Stennett, who was absent from the meeting. Mr. Dwyer noted he has spoken with two additional potential candidates who may apply in the coming week.

Chief Birbeck told the Enterprise that “integrity and a servant’s heart are the two most essential qualities for a small-town chief of police.”

“Over the next five years, Olney is poised for growth and the incoming chief must be prepared to position the department to meet the evolving needs of the community,” he said in an interview. “Businesses are expanding, new homes are being built, and with this development comes the potential for a true resurgence in the City of Olney. In the short term, however, the department will face the challenge of doing more with less. With recent reductions to the police department’s budget, maintaining the progress we’ve made in lowering crime rates will require careful balance, strategic planning, and strong leadership.”

The next chief, he said, would be “instrumental” in guiding the department through recovery as the city’s revenue grows and resources become available.

“Most importantly, there are a lot of good people in Olney - people who care deeply about their community and deserve a chief who will lead with integrity, compassion, and commitment,” he said. “This community is worth every effort, and I am confident its future is bright under the right leadership.”