Three finalists for Port Orchard police chief named

PORT ORCHARD — Three candidates have emerged as finalists to become the next Port Orchard police chief, according to the city’s mayor, Rob Putaansuu.

The three —Matthew Brown, Troy Tamaras and Jeff Wilson — prevailed after an intense, two-day interview process led by Putaansuu at City Hall March 27-28. Five candidates took part in the initial round last week that included a reception with community residents on March 27.

Putaansuu said the finalists are now being vetted through background checks and other procedural reviews. He said the final choice to become police chief will be announced after the individual has had a chance to meet with the police department officers and staff, and a contract is negotiated.

“I am thrilled with the quality of the candidates,” Putaansuu said Tuesday. “Any of the candidates would make a fine police chief.”

Brown currently is deputy chief of police with the City of Poulsbo. He was hired as the city’s deputy chief in December 2017 and previously served as a patrol deputy for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. The 19-year law enforcement professional has a BA in sociology from the University of Puget Sound and is a graduate of the School of Police and Command from Northwestern University.

Tamaras, a 28-year professional, is now chief of police in the City of College Place, Wash. He was a trooper with the Washington State Patrol for 25 of those years in law enforcement. Tamaras grew up in Port Orchard and is a graduate of South Kitsap High School. He has an associate degree in homeland security from the University of Charleston, West Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command College.

Wilson is the police chief of Orofino, Idaho. He has worked in the department for 26 years. Wilson started as a patrol officer and was promoted to police chief in 2007. He has a degree in criminal justice from Lewis-Clark State College. The police chief also served as a head coach at Orofino High School.

Two other candidates were interviewed for the position: Charles Goeken, a captain with the City of Manteca, Calif. Police Department, and Jon VanGesen, a detective lieutenant with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.