STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-August 9, 2023-The city has narrowed the search for its new Police Chief for the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) to two finalists. The candidates will conduct final interviews on Tuesday, August 15, followed by a public community meet & greet reception in the Combined Law Enforcement Facility Community Room (2027 Shield Drive) from 4pm to 5pm.
The two candidates for the city’s top law enforcement position were selected after a nationwide search. The selection panel looked for individuals who not only brought a broad variety of experience, but also understood the importance of community policing, inclusion, and diversity, as well as the issues faced by a mountain community such as Steamboat Springs.
The chief selection process includes a nationwide candidate search, an interview panel consisting of sworn and non-sworn police personnel, leadership team members, and selected citizens, and a public community meet & greet reception.
- Daric Harvey – Currently Vice Chair for the Colorado State Board of Parole, Harvey served as Chief for the Canon City Police Department (2017-20) and as Administrative Commander for the Vail Police Department (2014-17). Before venturing to Colorado, he held various leadership positions in Florida with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and Bunnell Police Department, where he started his 22-year law enforcement career. While in law enforcement, Harvey shared his knowledge as an instructor and adjunct faculty at the Technical Education Center, Colorado Mountain College Law Enforcement Training Academy and Pueblo Community College. He is a member of numerous professional associations and holds nearly a dozen law enforcement certifications.
- Mark Beckett – Beckett has served as interim chief for the SSPD since February and originally signed on as Operations Commander (2022). Prior to joining SSPD, Beckett served as a sworn member of the City of Mesa Police Department (AZ) (2001-22). During his 21-year career in Mesa, he was a leader in the Gang Unit and helped establish the FBI Central Arizona Safe Trails Task Force, which targeted violent crime in and around tribal communities. Beckett was awarded the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence in 2020 for his work on the Safe Trails Task Force. Additionally, he has expertise in organizational leadership, critical incident management, investigations, and specialty training.
During the public meet & greet session, the two candidates will provide a brief introduction and summary of their background and experience. The Tuesday session provides an opportunity for city council, city staff and the community to get to know the two finalists.
The city hired Public Sector Search and Consulting Inc., a California-based search firm specializing in hiring law enforcement officials, to lead the search. The firm, which has hired chiefs for cities of all sizes and geographic locations, recruited candidates from around the country, with an increased focus on applicants with diverse backgrounds.
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Contact
Wendy Ecklund, Human Resources & Risk Director, 970.871.8221 or email
Tom Leeson, Deputy City Manager, 970.879.2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email