The city is hosting a reception on Thu., Dec. 7, where the public will have the opportunity to meet each candidate

The search for Battle Ground’s next police chief has been narrowed down to five candidates.  The city is hosting a reception on Thu., Dec. 7, where the public will have the opportunity to meet each candidate.  

The informal “meet and greet” style reception will be held at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street – 2nd Floor, from 6:30- 8:30 p.m.  The candidates will be introduced and will be available for conversation with the public.  Community members will have the opportunity to provide their impressions of each candidate for consideration as part of the selection process.    

The final round of interviews will be held on Dec. 8.

The finalists are:

Kevin Barton currently works as a Lieutenant for the City of Gresham Police Department in Gresham, Oregon, responsible for internal affairs and policies.  Lt. Barton has served in law enforcement since 1997 and has occupied several leadership roles during his career, including Lieutenant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Bureau Sergeant, Deputy Sheriff, and Corporal. Lt. Barton previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Purdue and is a graduate from the FBI National Academy.

Dennis Flynn is currently the Deputy Chief of the Commerce City Police Department in Colorado, assisting and supporting the Chief of Police in the overall management of the Police Department.  Prior to that, Deputy Chief Flynn served with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, working his way up through the ranks before he retired from that post as the Lieutenant in the Robbery Division.  Deputy Chief Flynn has a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety and is also a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command from Northwestern University.  

Philip Lukens has more than 26 years of public service in law enforcement, serving as a Corporal and Sergeant. Most recently, he has served as the Chief of Police for the City of Alliance Police Department in Alliance, Nebraska.  Chief Lukens has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice as well as an array of various certifications.  In addition to his service in law enforcement, Chief Lukens has held the title of Senior Pastor with the Carr Community Church.

Sean O’Laughlin is currently the Deputy Chief/Lieutenant with the Eastern Washington University Police Department in Cheney, Washington.  Deputy Chief/Lieutenant O’Laughlin began his career in public service in 2008 with the USCG Sector Puget Sound and has also worked in other roles for the Coast Guard.  Deputy Chief/Lieutenant O’Laughlin has earned three master’s degrees in public safety, national security, and public administration, and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Perry Phipps began his public service career with the City of Carpinteria in California in 1984.  He served as Chief of Police for the City of Snoqualmie, Washington, from 2017 to this past July.  Chief Phipps holds a Masters of Arts degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies and has earned a variety of certifications that complement his leadership roles in law enforcement.

The city contracted with GMP Consultants to begin the recruitment process in August of this year in anticipation of the January 2024 retirement of current Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort. 

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.