Battle Ground City Manager Erin Erdman has announced the hiring of Dennis Flynn as the city’s next chief of police, effective March 18.
Flynn accepted the position following his successful completion of a multi-phased pre-employment screening process, according to a news release from the City of Battle Ground. The employment offer is also contingent on Flynn securing an active commission in Washington within nine months of his effective date of employment.
The City of Battle Ground entered into an interlocal agreement with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for Chief Administrative Deputy Michael McCabe to serve as interim police chief for Battle Ground after Chief Mike Fort retired at the new year. The interlocal agreement with CCSO was agreed upon Jan. 2.
Flynn comes to Battle Ground with 36 years of law enforcement experience, with more than 22 of those years in police leadership, stated the release. He served the first 30 years of his career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Flynn worked his way up through the ranks before his retirement in 2015 as lieutenant of the robbery division for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Recently, Flynn served the last six years with the Commerce City Police Department in Colorado. He was responsible for the department’s patrol, traffic, school resources officer and community services programs in his role as the deputy chief.
He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in police leadership from San Diego University. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s Police School of Staff and Command.
The city began recruitment efforts in August 2023 and received a total of 16 applications for the position. In December 2023, five candidates, including Flynn, came together at Battle Ground City Hall for an evening meet-and-greet event with community members. That meeting was followed by a day of final interviews.
“It’s amazing, exceptionally supportive, but that’s why I came here. I did my homework,” Flynn said of his impressions of the community during the meet-and-greet event. “I didn’t want to apply to be in a place where the city wasn’t supportive of the police department. That was one of the huge draws that’s here in the community.”
Flynn is married to his wife of 22 years, Shalene, and is in the process of relocating to the Battle Ground area, the release added. The couple has three children and two grandchildren.
“I am honored for the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Battle Ground Police Department,” Flynn said in the release. “Over the past few months, I have had the chance to interact with officers and professional staff of the department. Their knowledge and dedication are impressive. I’m confident that with the talented staff we have, we will continue to make Battle Ground a safe and wonderful place to work, live and play."
Chief Flynn will take his ceremonial oath of office during the March 18, Battle Ground City Council meeting. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 109 Southwest First Street, second Floor Council Chambers, beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend, the release stated.
