City Council Narrows Chief Search

The Olney City Council has narrowed its search for a new police chief to three finalists, including two local candidates and one from outside the area, Mayor Rue Rogers said.

The Council met in executive session on Oct. 31 to review recommendations from an ad hoc committee composed of council members and private citizens.

After deliberating, the Council decided to move forward with interviews for three of the applicants.

Mayor Rogers did not disclose the names of the candidates.

Former Olney Police Detective Dustin Hudson confirmed that he has been selected for a follow-up interview with the full Council.

The search follows the May departure of former Police Chief Dan Birbeck, who left his post in May after clashing with then–City Administrator Simon Dwyer. Mr. Dwyer has since accepted a similar position in another city, according to his resignation letter.

At the Council’s Oct. 27 meeting, citizens urged city leaders to prioritize hiring a local candidate to fill the vacancy.

Cindy Moore, an Olney resident, told the Council she believes community investment should be a key factor in the hiring decision.

“I would like to weigh in by requesting that you consider hiring individuals who want to live here and be a part of our community, invest their lives, their families, their talents—even their surcharge dollars, their checks dollars—into Olney,” Mrs. Moore said. “I feel strongly that being a part of our area should be one of the first considerations, in fact maybe even a requirement for the main team members.”

Larry Smith, another resident, voiced strong support for Mr. Hudson’s candidacy and emphasized his experience and dedication.

“Y’all have gone to Dustin for many years for his expertise—he’s been an expert witness for the City of Olney, for the County of Young, for the State of Texas,” Mr. Smith said. “Dustin knows his business. His heart is in this city, and he very much wants to stay here and would like to be the police chief.”

Mr. Smith noted that Mr. Hudson has completed hundreds of hours of law enforcement and firefighting training through the State of Texas and has served the city for many years.

Mayor Rogers said the Council has not yet set a date for the next round of interviews and declined to release the names of the other two finalists.

The Council’s decision on Olney’s next police chief is expected to draw strong community interest as residents look for steady leadership in the wake of recent changes at City Hall.