Following a lengthy selection process, the city of Burns selected its next chief of police to lead the Burns Police Department. 

Nancy Gardner of Munds Park, Ariz. was chosen for the position following a two-day interview process. Gardner was one of two candidates who participated in the three-phase process. Although a total of seven candidates were invited to interview, five of the candidates declined to participate due to a variety of reasons, primarily the lack of housing in the Burns area.

On Friday, March 11, a 12-person interview panel convened and unanimously selected Gardner as their top choice for the position. The interview panelists consisted of a variety of community stakeholders, including Judge Pete Runnels (Harney County Court), Randy Fulton (Burns Times-Herald), Ryan Hughes (Harney County District Attorney), Daniel Porter (Burns city councilor and Plectrum Music store owner), Christy Rivera (Burns city councilor and Bank of Eastern Oregon employee), Jen Hoke (Burns council president and Harney District Hospital recruiter), Steve Quick (superintendent of Harney County School District No.3), Sheriff Dan Jenkins (Harney County Sheriff’s Office), Kirby Letham (administrator for the city of Hines), Michael Berry (Burns Public Works director), Chief Scott Williamson (Burns Fire Department), and Interim Chief Lucas McLain (Burns Police Department interim chief and Harney County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant).

A series of scripted questions were asked by the panel moderator, Mindy Gould, of Elkhorn Media and graded by the interview panelists. Panel members also asked follow-up questions to the candidates. 

The candidates were later interviewed individually by City Manager Dan Brown. They then met with all three city of Burns department directors (public works, fire, and police) and asked questions concerning the city. Each candidate also spent time with the Burns Police Department employees who unanimously preferred Gardner to be their next chief of police, based on her experience, education, and demeanor.

On Saturday, March 12, the candidates participated in a community meet and greet held at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. The meet and greet was open to the public and advertised on the radio, newspaper, city website, and social media. Community members in attendance listened to the background and philosophies of both candidates and were allowed to ask questions of each. Feedback on the presentations was also encouraged, and a large majority of the attendees said they preferred Gardner.

Pending a complete background process, Gardner is scheduled to begin her employment as the chief of police for the Burns Police Department on April 11. 

She has 30 years of law-enforcement experience and has served as a chief of police (town marshal), SWAT commander, emergency manager liaison, patrol lieutenant, patrol sergeant, field training officer, detective, mental health trainer, and patrol officer. Gardner holds a Master of Counseling and Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix. She is also a graduate of the prestigious Northwestern University Police and Command Staff training and completed the Leadership in Police Organizations training through the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Gardner has been married to her husband, Mark, for more than 40 years and has three adult children and five grandchildren. She grew up in rural North Dakota and has a love for small communities and outdoor activities. Once Gardner is in place, she plans to meet with the community often and will focus on internal policy and procedures, training, and transparency. She said she is looking forward to working closely with the city of Burns fire and public works departments, as well as with her law enforcement partners in the region.