The city of Burns announced the candidates for chief of police. A meet and greet for both candidates will be held Dec. 1 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Central Hotel.

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Marc Heckathorn is a lifelong Central Oregonian who started his law-enforcement career in 1996. Heckathorn spent 20 of his 27 years at the ranks of sergeant, captain, undersheriff, and finally as sheriff in Jefferson County, Oregon. He possesses executive management level of certification with Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and has associate and bachelor’s degrees.

Heckathorn believes in volunteerism and has always been hugely involved in his community. He is a member of both the Kiwanis Club and Elks Lodge and served for five years as a city councilor. Heckathorn is also a volunteer instructor for DPSST and teaches a class called Below 100 all across the state.

He has been married to his high school sweetheart for nearly 22 years and has two daughters. The Heckathorns enjoy all four seasons of the year, spending time outside together with family and friends camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and riding four-wheelers.

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Oscar Nunez Jr. began his law-enforcement career in 1992. He is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement with Compton Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the Calipatria Police Department, and Morongo Tribal Police Department.

Nunez currently works for the city of Calipatria Police Department in California, serving as the interim lieutenant and sergeant. He serves in the operations, training, and criminal investigations units. He is also the assistant director for M.I.B. Execushield, a security company in Whittier, Calif.

Nunez has an associate degree from the University of Phoenix and extensive supervisor training, including an intermediate certificate from California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He also has more than 15 years of military experience (Special Operations Unit).

He has been married for 15 years to his wife, Susanne. In his spare time, Nunez enjoys conducting firearms training for the community and collecting firearms. He also enjoys spending time with his family.