City of Prineville names three West Coast law enforcement professionals as finalists for next police chief

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Prineville announced Tuesday the names of three veteran law enforcement officers from Washington and California who have been chosen as finalists to be Prineville’s next police chief.

Community members will have the opportunity to meet the finalists Wednesday at a meet-and-greet session.

Here are the brief biographies provided by the city:

Thomas Olson is an experienced professional with 35 years of law enforcement and military leadership. He began in public service in 1988 and has since worked in the Washington Air National Guard, the University of Washington Police Department, and most recently as Chief of Police of the City of Port Townsend (WA). He holds three associate degrees, a Bachelor of Workforce Education and Development, a Master of Organizational Leadership, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Jeff Profio began his public service career as a police officer with the San Jose (CA) Police Department. After a brief stop mid-career with the Redding (CA) Police Department, he returned to San Jose PD, where he worked his way through the ranks and held the positions of Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. He currently works as a Lieutenant for the West Valley Mission Community College Police Department near San Jose. He holds a Bachelor of Recreation Administration from San Jose State, as well as being a POST Master Instructor Program graduate.

Ronald Schaub has served as Chief of Police for the Pacific (WA) Police Department and the Fircrest (WA) Police Department, where he serves now. Additionally, he has served as Patrol Lieutenant, Program Lieutenant, Chief of Public Safety, and Director of Public Safety within the Pierce County (WA) Sheriff’s Office. He holds a Bachelor of History from Central Washington University, a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Washington, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

On Wednesday, the city will host a public meet-and-greet with three finalists. The informal gathering will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ron’s Comfort Food Café, located at Meadow Lakes Golf Course. Community members can leave feedback on the candidates on comment cards. Refreshments will be provided.

On Thursday, the candidates will participate in interviews with three panels consisting of regional public safety professionals, community leaders, and members of the Prineville Police Department.

The city said the candidates were chosen through a national search conducted in collaboration with a third-party firm. Officials said they are aiming to appoint a new chief by the end of the summer.

Former Police Chief Larry Seymour and Captain Rob Gray resigned this spring under a negotiated settlement, six months after being placed on paid, non-disciplinary leave pending an investigation, the results of which were not released by the city. Lieutenant Shane Wilson has been acting as officer in charge on an interim basis.