With the exodus of three officers from the Holbrook Police Department (HPD) in the last two months, including the retirement Chief of Police Mark Jackson in May, the remaining officers were feeling the weight of the long hours and increased duties. During the June 26 meeting of the Holbrook City Council, city officials expressed gratitude to Navajo County Sheriff KC Clark for his willingness to assist.
“KC Clark has bent over backwards to help us out since we had the shortage of officers,” said Director of Administration Pat Nichols.
When Jackson retired, followed by the retirement of two other officers, Clark stepped in providing Nathan Christensen as interim police chief, as well as four deputies that have been filling in where needed, with some pulling overtime shifts after completing their regular rotation with the Sheriff’s Office.
“We have had deputies whenever we have needed them,” said Nichols. “It’s been like a brotherhood among the men and I feel that KC deserves our deepest thanks for this help.”
In the selection for the next police chief, Nichols and Interim City Manager Randy Sullivan put together an external panel of four people, two from law enforcement and two representing the civilian side, to interview the three finalists under consideration for the position. The interviews will take place on July 10, with the score sheet results of the interviews being turned over to an independent party for tallying and review.
Sullivan said that based on the results, the hope is that the new chief will be picked from one of the three and will be presented at the council meeting that night.
The HPD also welcomed Officer Matthew Theobald on board after his recent graduation from the AZ Post Academy in June, which leaves three slots open after the chief of police’s position is filled.
Nichols said another cadet will be graduating from the academy in August, with the potential of two more cadets entering the academy in September and there is a possibility of a lateral transfer into the department this month.
“Things are definitely looking better for the police department,” stated Nichols.
