The search is on for the third chief in the history of the , and it will be a national one, city officials say.
Jeff Streeter, who led the department for three years, retired on June 9, according to a city news release. City officials are now in the early stages of seeking his replacement, a process that could take more than half a year, City Manager Seth Hoffman said.
“We’ve got a stated goal to be a national model for our deep, active commitment to safety and we want the best possible leader,” Hoffman said. “The first step is bringing on an executive recruiting consultant.”
Hoffman said that, as of last week, the north Douglas County city had received proposals from around half a dozen national recruiting firms that specialize in aiding in the hiring of law enforcement executives. Next steps will include picking a consultant, drafting a job profile, posting it and establishing “an appropriately rigorous selection process,” Hoffman said.
In the meantime, the department of 47 sworn staff is being managed by Cmdr. Ron Pinson, who will serve as interim chief. Hoffman said the next chief could be an internal candidate if someone meets the requirements.
“Itap about finding the best possible candidate,” Hoffman said. “If they are in Lone Tree or if they’re in Colorado or they’re in another state, we want to find the best person for the job.”
The hire is Hoffman’s to make, but will remain informed about the search during the process.
Millet, who was as mayor last month after serving as a council member for eight years, said she wants the city to find a tested leader.
“I value experience and I think that very important for the community, for our residents for the officers on the team right now,” she said.
Millet said she has every confidence Hoffman will find the right candidate. She said that people have regularly told her how impressed they are with Lone Tree’s community safety, and she credits the officers and civilians who work for the Lone Tree police, and Streeter’s contributions to the department.
“Jeff, I think from my perspective, did a very good job representing the city to our resident and businesses,” Millet said. “He was always prepared and straightforward. All of his interactions that I was able to witness with residents, business and the council could not have been more professional.”
Streeter was the second police chief in the history of the department, which began patrols in 2005. In a written statement distributed by the city, Streeter said that after discussions with his family, he decided to leave the department to pursue other opportunities.
“I am very proud to have served with the men and women of the Lone Tree Police Department as well as the city,” Streeter said in the release. “I look forward to this new chapter in my life and wish the department the best as it continues to move forward.”