Five candidates for Burien Police Chief met with City leaders and community members on Thursday evening at the Burien Community Center.[/caption] Five candidates vying to become the next Burien Police Chief met with City leaders and community members on Thursday evening, April 12 at the Burien Community Center. City Manager Brian Wilson â€“ who hosted the event â€“ is responsible for selecting the new chief from these candidates, who were selected by the King County Sheriff:

Captain Theodore Boe has 18 years of experience serving the public with the King County Sheriffâ€™s Office. Captain Boe described his approach as being focused on applying customer service philosophies to law enforcement.
Captain Donald P. Davis has 25 years of experience serving the public with the King County Sheriffâ€™s Office. Captain Davisâ€™ experience includes field operations, training, and also various supervisory and administrative assignments.
Captain Bryan R. Howard has 26 years of experience in public service with more than 15 years in management positions with the King County Sheriffâ€™s office. Captain Howard states that he is passionate about community service and ensuring fairness and equity for everyone he serves.
Captain Troy Olmsted has 29 years of experience serving the public in law enforcement, including almost 21 years with the King County Sherriffâ€™s Office. Captain Olmsted states that this experience working in community relations and internal investigations positions has given him a unique background and perspective. This experience, he believes, provides him with the abilities to understand accountability as well as being comfortable interacting in community settings.
Captain Gregory A. Thomas has more than 35 years with the King County Sherriffâ€™s Office. Captain Thomas states that he sees the City of Burien going places and his style and creativity would bring value.

Here’s video from the event as shot/produced by Scott Schaefer, and originally broadcast live on our Facebook page:

NOTE: If you were unable to attend but would like to share your thoughts on the candidates, please call or email City Manager Brian Wilson ASAP:

(206) 248-5503

brian@burienwa.gov

Also on hand at the meeting were Burien City Councilmembers Nancy Tosta, Krystal Marx, Pedro Olguin and Bob Edgar. Candidates responded to a number of questions from community members, many of them focused around solutions to address ongoing concerns about gangs and youth violence. Addressing a question regarding sanctuary cities, Boe responded, “No, we don’t work with immigration. It’s not the role of law enforcement on the local level.” Savannah, a 6-year-old Burien resident, asked, “What would you tell other police officers to do?” Howard focused on community engagement, saying, “The number one improvement that we need to enact in Burien with our officers is to proactively engage the community, not wait for a 9-1-1 call. Get out of the car, walk from business to business, go the schools, visit with children, build up positive contacts.” Davis echoed this sentiment while responding to a similar question: “I believe that the chief you’re going to select needs to have it in their DNA that they’re going to go out and talk to you. They need to get the pulse of the community.” Boe also echoed the sentiment, responding, “You’ve got to model behavior. You’ve got to become the face of Burien. You’ve got to be in the school. Everybody in this community should know the name of their police chief. You should be actively involved in community events. I should become the one who models that for my people.” And here’s a video courtesy KING5: ]]>