After conducting a round of interviews in December and being “unable to come to mutually agreeable terms with the candidates,” according to a press release issued Friday, the city of Alliance is starting over in its search to find a candidate to take the reins at the Alliance Police Department.
The vacancy in the position occurred when Alliance Chief of Police Philip Lukens submitted his resignation, effective Sept. 15, 2023. Since that time, Lieutenant Kirk Felker, who has had more than 26 years of experience with the department, has served as the interim chief as the city searched for someone to fill the position.
On Dec. 15, 2023, the city of Alliance issued a press release, noting their intent to interview three candidates for the position on Dec. 18, 2023: Felker, Terry Horner, Captain with the Holt County Missouri Sheriff Department, and Thomas Rhoades, former Police Chief for the Parkview Health System in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
City Manager Seth Sorensen issued a press release on Jan. 19 thanking the candidates who were interviewed, but ultimately announcing that the search would continue.
“The City of Alliance recently completed interviews with three candidates for the position of Chief of Police but was unable to come to mutually agreeable terms with the candidates,” the release stated. “We thank those who dedicated their time and talents during the process thus far.”
The press release also announced that the city will be aided in its search for the next APD Chief by the Government Professional Solutions recruiting firm.
“The Police Chief selection process is very thorough and aims to find the most appropriate candidate to lead the Alliance Police Department and to serve the community effectively,” the release stated.