RICHLAND, Wash. – The City of Richland announced on Thursday its three finalists for its next police chief.
Chris Mills from Buckley, WA, Sean O’Laughlin from Nine Mile Falls, WA, and Martin Pilcher from Oregon City, OR are the finalists following a comprehensive search.
Mills is a Commander for Kent Police in Kent, WA. He has overseen several units, is an Iraq War Veteran from the U.S. Army and has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from California Coast University along with being a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.
O’Laughlin is the Deputy Chief for Eastern Washington University Police in Cheney, WA where he manages several divisions including field operations, investigations and more. He is an Executive Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, has a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Master’s degree in Executive Public Administration from the University of Washington.
Pilcher is the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, where he oversees over 50 combined officers and staff members. He was previously a Deputy Chief from 2018 before becoming Chief in 2021, has worked for the Portland Police Bureau, has served with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, CA, holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.
“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 City Manager Jon Amundson. “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.”
A meet-and-greet is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Richland City Hall. The City is inviting community members to submit questions that may be included during the discussion.
Final interviews will take place the next day. The City expects to make its decisions shortly after the interviews following a background investigation.
