The city of Burns narrowed its search for the next chief to lead the Burns Police Department. The city conducted a nationwide search for the position, recruiting for the position on Indeed, League of Oregon Cities (LOC), International Chiefs of Police Association (IACP), and the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). 

The process yielded 32 applicants from all over the United States. The applicant field was narrowed based on experience, education, and expertise as law enforcement leaders in the law enforcement profession.

The top five candidates were invited to participate in a two-day selection process to be held March 11 and 12. Three of the top five candidates, as well as two alternates, withdrew from the process, leaving only two candidates remaining. 

The candidates who withdrew cited the remoteness of Burns and the apparent lack of available housing. There were no applications received from anyone residing in Oregon. The two candidates who will be interviewed include David Graham of Galena, Alaska and Nancy Gardner of Munds Park, Ariz.

David Graham

David Graham currently serves as a police captain in Alaska. He previously served as a lieutenant for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Oneida Nation in New York. He started the police department there at its inception. 

Graham is a career law enforcement professional who values dedication, service, and excellence. He has spent more than 25 years in the field, serving in all aspects of law enforcement from street patrol up to command level positions. 

Graham is a certified accreditation manager through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in the United States. He has years of experience in policy and procedure development, as well as proctoring advanced training to officers. 

Through his many years of service with city, county, and tribal agencies, he has acquired a unique perspective on law enforcement and its role within a community. He is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys the beauty and wonders that nature has to offer.

Nancy Gardner

Nancy Gardner has 30 years of law enforcement experience and leadership. Throughout her career, Gardner has enjoyed multiple leadership roles, including chief of police, SWAT commander, criminal investigations, emergency manager liaison, homeland security liaison, and patrol lieutenant. 

Gardner has been a leader in community policing, transparency, employee development, and working to build relationships with law enforcement and community entities. She promoted a culture of exceptional customer service, treating each citizen contact as an opportunity to promote professionalism and provide quality service. With her position at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, she expanded Mental Health Awareness Training within the 11 law enforcement agencies throughout the rural county and enhanced the deflection and diversion of people with behavioral health needs from the justice system. 

Gardner earned a master’s degree in counseling and human relations from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor of science in business management from the University of Phoenix. She is a graduate of the elite Police Staff and Command from Northwestern University of Evanston, Ill. 

Gardner has been married to her husband, Mark, for 40 years, and they have three adult daughters and five grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, mountain biking, camping, skiing, and all things outdoors.

The candidates will go through a comprehensive selection process, starting with a 12-member interview panel comprised of various community stakeholders. 

The candidates will then have an interview with the city manager. 

On Saturday, March 12, starting at 10 a.m., the chief candidates will participate in a Community Meet and Greet at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, located at 484 N. Broadway in Burns. The candidates will present their background, philosophies, and why they desire to lead the Burns Police Department. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event.