City of Boulder Identifies Top Three Finalists for Boulder’s Next Police Chief

City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde announced today the top finalists for the City of Boulder police chief position.  

Following a nationwide search in partnership with Raftelis Consulting, the city received 30 applications for the position. After a thorough review and initial interview process, the search has been narrowed to three candidates.  

The finalists, listed alphabetically, are:

Stephen Redfearn

Stephen Redfearn currently serves as the Interim Police Chief for the Boulder Police Department, a role he assumed in January after joining the department in 2021 as the Deputy Police Chief. Prior to joining the Boulder Police Department, Stephen dedicated 22 years to the Aurora Police Department. He served in various roles throughout his tenure, beginning his career as a Patrol Officer, Community Policing Officer, and Field Training Officer. He also served as a Sergeant and Supervisor for the Vice and Narcotics Unit, Patrol, and the East Metro Auto Theft Team, as well as Lieutenant and Supervisor of the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit, Peer Support, Major Investigations, and SWAT. He also held the ranks of Captain, Deputy Commander, Commander, and Division Chief. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University. Stephen attended the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police, the Public Safety Leadership Development Program at the University of Denver, and the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University's Kennedy School.

Leonard Redhorse III

Leonard Redhorse III has served the Navajo Police Department for 18 years, leading to his current role as Deputy Chief of Police. He began his career with the Navajo Police Department as a Police Officer. He assumed increasing roles of responsibility as a Criminal Investigator, Senior Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Commander. Leonard has a Bachelor of Science in History with a Minor in Political Science from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. Leonard also graduated from Arizona State University's Arizona Problem Oriented Leadership Institute, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, Homeland Security Leadership Academy, FBI LEEDA's Leadership Institute, and several programs through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Josh Wallace

Josh Wallace has served the Chicago Police Department for 25 years, leading to his current role as Commander of the Criminal Network Group for the Bureau of Counterterrorism. He began his career as a Patrol Officer in 1999. Throughout his tenure, Josh held positions as a Field Sergeant, Narcotics Sergeant, Watch Operations Lieutenant, Tactical Lieutenant, and District Commander of the 2nd District. Josh has a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph, a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix, and he also graduated from Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. Josh attended the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police as well as the FBI National Academy.

"I am pleased to introduce the finalists for Boulder's next police chief and invite the community to meet them at the Aug. 27 community forum," Rivera-Vandermyde said. "The selected candidate for this position will lead the ongoing transformation of our city's policing approach, which centers holistic problem-solving and community engagement. This is a pivotal leadership role for our community."  

Announced last week, the finalists will be introduced at a community forum on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers, located at 1777 Broadway. The event will also be livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel and Boulder Channel 8.

During the forum, each finalist will give brief remarks, followed by a moderated Q&A session. Questions can still be submitted for the Q&A session until Monday, Aug. 26 at noon through the Police Chief Finalists Q&A form.

Final interviews for the top candidates will be held on Aug. 27 and 28.  

More information about the position, the recruitment process and the Aug. 27 Community Forum, can be found on the Boulder Police Chief recruitment webpage.