City of Burns announces names of Police Chief candidates
By Mindy Gould on Monday, March 7th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
Burns, Oregon – The City of Burns has narrowed their search for the
next Chief of Police to lead the Burns Police Department. The City of Burns 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 thirty-two 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 on March 11 and 12, 2022. Three of the top five candidates, as well as two alternates,
withdrew from the process, leaving only two candidates remaining. The candidates that
withdrew cited the remoteness of Burns and the apparent lack of available housing. There
were no applications received from anyone residing in the State of Oregon. The two
candidates that will be interviewed include David Graham of Galena, Alaska and Nancy
Gardner of Munds Park, Arizona.
David Graham currently serves as a Police Captain in Alaska and previously served as a
Lieutenant for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Oneida Nation in New York where he
started the police department there from inception. Mr. Graham is a career law
enforcement professional who values dedication, service, and excellence. He has spent
over 25 years in the law enforcement field serving in all aspects of law enforcement from
street patrol up to command level positions. Mr. Graham is a certified accreditation
manager through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA) in the United States. Mr. Graham 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. Mr. Graham is an avid
outdoorsman and enjoys the beauty and wonders that nature has to offer.
Nancy Gardner has 30 years of law enforcement experience and leadership. Throughout
her career, Ms. Gardner has enjoyed multiple leadership roles of Chief of Police, SWAT
Commander, Criminal Investigations, Emergency Manager liaison, Homeland Security
liaison and Patrol Lieutenant. Ms. 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, Ms.
Gardner 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. Ms. Gardner earned a Master’s
degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and
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, Illinois. Nancy has been married to her husband, Mark for 40 years and they
have 3 adult daughters and 5 grandchildren she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, camping,
skiing, and all things outdoors.
he candidates will go through a comprehensive selection process starting with a twelve member interview panel comprised of various community stakeholders. The candidates
will then have an interview with the city manager. On Saturday, March 12, 2022, starting
at 10:00 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 to the public their background, philosophies, and why they desire
to lead the Burns Police Department. The public is invited, and encouraged, to attend this
event.
