Effective March 18, the City of Battle Ground will have a new chief of police.
Last week, Battle Ground City Manager Erin Erdman announced Dennis Flynn, one of the city’s initial candidates for the position, has been hired as the city’s top cop.
Flynn accepted the position following a successful completion of a multi-phased pre-employment screening process, according to a news release. His employment is contingent on Flynn securing an active commission in Washington within nine months of his start date.
During the search to replace former Chief Mike Fort, who retired at the start of the year, 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.
Flynn comes to Battle Ground with 36 years of law enforcement experience, with more than 22 of those years in police leadership, according to the release. He served the first 30 years of his career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He climbed the ranks before his retirement in 2015 as lieutenant of the robbery division.
Recently, Flynn served as deputy chief for the Commerce City, Colorado, Police Department, the last six years. He was responsible for the department’s patrol, traffic, school resource 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 graduated from Northwestern University’s Police School of Staff and Command.
The city began recruiting efforts in August 2023 and received 16 applications for the position. In December 2023, five candidates, including Flynn, met with the community at Battle Ground City Hall. That was followed by a day of final interviews.
“The City was very fortunate to have so many qualified candidates to choose from,” Battle Ground Communications Manager Alisha Smith stated in an email. “Each candidate had the opportunity to share their insights and experiences during the interview process on several areas of interest including community policing, administrative practices, as well as policy development and implementation, to name a few. In addition to having an exemplary career in law enforcement, Flynn demonstrated the qualities, knowledge and skills necessary to continue the forward growth of the police department so it can continue to serve our community with excellence.”
During his initial interview with the city, Flynn said he was impressed by how supportive the community was of the police department.
“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 said at the time.
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 is 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.”
Flynn will take his ceremonial oath of office during the March 18 Battle Ground City Council meeting, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 109 SW First St., on the second floor Council Chambers. The public is invited to attend.
