The City of Richland has selected two finalists as candidates for Chief of Police.
The public is invited to meet the candidates at a Police Chief Candidate Community Open House scheduled for Thursday, August 30th, 2018, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Richland Public Library.
This informal reception will provide an opportunity for citizens to ask questions, interact with the candidates, and provide feedback to City leaders.
The reception will be held in the Library Gallery Room at 955 Northgate Drive.
Albert “Al” Escalera of Pasco, WA has over 34 years of public safety experience and is currently employed as Chief of Police in Sunnyside, WA. He has served in this capacity since 2014. Prior to Sunnyside, Escalera served as a Captain in the West Richland, WA Police Department after spending 26 years working for the Washington State Patrol.
Dominic Rizzi, Jr. of Yakima, WA has 35 years of law enforcement experience and has spent the past six years as the Chief of Police in Yakima, WA.  Prior to Yakima, he spent 25 years at the Chicago Police Department.
These top two candidates will proceed to the final round of the interview process next week. Five individuals were selected to participate in the first round of interviews held earlier this week. Candidates were interviewed by two panels; one included members of internal staff, the other was comprised of externally focused participants which included community partners.
The final candidate will replace former Police Chief, Chris Skinner, who accepted a position as Police Chief in Eugene, Oregon earlier this year.
“We are pleased with the caliber of candidates who applied for this important position,” City Manager, Cindy Reents said Thursday. “I look forward to participating in the final round of interviews and getting feedback from the community.”
Final candidate interviews will occur on Friday, August 31. A decision is expected by mid-September.

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