City of Richland Announces Three Finalists for Police Chief

Chris Mills

Sean O’Laughlin

Martin Pilcher

After a comprehensive search, the City of Richland has narrowed its selection for the next Police Chief to three highly qualified finalists: Chris Mills, Buckley, WA; Sean O’Laughlin, Nine Mile Falls, WA; and Martin Pilcher, Oregon City, OR. All three candidates bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to community policing to the position.

Chris Mills serves as a Commander for Kent Police, Kent, WA. He has overseen various units, including Police Investigations, the Special Assault Unit, Special Investigations, the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Valley Special Weapons and Tactics, and the K9 Unit. Commander Mills is an Iraq War Veteran who served as an Infantry Team Leader and Infantry Scout Sniper in the United States Army. Mills possesses a master's in organizational leadership from California Coast University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

Sean O’Laughlin serves as the Deputy Chief for Eastern Washington University Police in Cheney, WA, managing all field operations, investigations, property and evidence, budget, training, and hiring. He is also the department’s national accreditation manager for the IACLEA accreditation process, resulting in the agency receiving national accreditation. O’Laughlin is an Executive Officer for the United States Coast Guard Reserve responsible for 105 personnel assigned to Port Security Unit 313. He has a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the United States Naval War College and a master’s in executive public administration from the University of Washington. O’Laughlin is a graduate of the FBI National Academy – Session 287.

Martin Pilcher serves as the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, where he oversees 40 sworn police officers, three Community Service Officers, and 7.5 professional staff members. Prior to becoming Chief in 2021, he was the Deputy Chief since 2018. Pilcher also worked for the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator and spent the majority of his career with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, CA. Pilcher possesses a master’s in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

“We are impressed with the caliber of these candidates and have no doubt that any one of them could lead our department with distinction and continue our pursuit of excellence,” said Jon Amundson, City Manager. "Each of our finalists offers a distinct blend of professional backgrounds, leadership styles, and innovative approaches to law enforcement, positioning RPD for a dynamic future."

The candidates under consideration will be introduced at a meet-and-greet event on Wednesday, September 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd. Richland, WA 99352. That evening, members of the public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists and attend a moderated discussion to learn more about their experience, vision for the police department, and approach to community policing. The City is inviting community members to submit questions that may be included during the moderated discussion. Questions can be submitted on the City’s website beginning next week.
Final interviews will be conducted on Thursday, September 5th. Candidates will take part in multiple panel interviews, a police department tour, and a city tour.  

The city engaged Mosaic Public Partners to assist in a nationwide executive recruitment and selection process for its new Police Chief.  
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The city anticipates making its selection shortly after the interview process. The final selection of the next Police Chief will be contingent upon a successful background investigation consistent with RCW 43.101.095.