Oak Harbor’s new police chief isn’t aiming for quick change

Kevin Dresker wants to be a bridge builder.

But first he has to be a bridge inspector.

Dresker accepted the badge as the new Oak Harbor police chief last week. It’s been a dizzying time, he said. He’s met his new officers, other officials in the city and community leaders; read department policies and other materials; and even toured one of the city’s most dynamic areas.

Dresker said he’s focused on getting to know the department and community before thinking about retooling how things are done.

Admittedly a big fan of sugar-free Monster Energy drink, Dresker said he’s not in a rush to make waves.

“I represent a big change for the department,” he said. “A big change even for the community.”

Dresker said he sees police officers’ relationship with the community as crucial to the success of the department. It’s that connection, or bridge, that is often key to solving crimes, finding solutions to neighborhood problems and instilling trust in law enforcement, he said.

That means, he said, officers should get out of their cars and interact as much as they can. It’s about fostering a police culture in which everyone is treated with respect and the community is seen as a partner, in contrast to a us-versus-them mentality.

“We’re here for the public,” he said. “We’re here for the community.”

Dresker said it’s too early for him to know whether this is a philosophy that already exists in the department and he just needs to reinforce it or if there’s more fundamental work to be done.

Oak Harbor Mayor Bob Severns negotiated Dresker’s contract, which the city council approved last month. Dresker will earn $116,000 a year. He will begin with 40 days of sick leave and 40 days of vacation and earn another 40 days of each after six months on the job. At the same time, he will accrue vacation at a rate of 15 hours per month; after a year, the rate will increase to 16.66 hours a month. He also will receive full benefits, a car and $2,500 in relocation costs.

The previous police chief was hired in 2012 and earned $102,000 a year.

Dresker worked for the Wenatchee Police Department for 28 years, beginning as a reserve officer and ascending to be one of the captains. Two years ago he left the force to work for Confluence Health, a large health-care company headquartered in Wenatchee. He analyzed the security for the organization and came up with a security plan for its clinics and hospitals in 14 towns.

“But my true passion remained with police work,” he said.

Dresker applied for the opening in Oak Harbor and was overwhelmingly selected by the members of panels charged with interviewing candidates, according to Severns.

He’s not a stranger to the area. He and his wife visited the San Juans with their 24-foot boat. They used to go to Fort Casey with his wife’s parents because it holds special significance for the family.

The couple also scouted Oak Harbor when he was considering the job and enjoyed the community events. Dresker said he’s especially impressed by the abundance of active duty and retired military people in the city.

“I very much love the country,” he said, “and the people who serve the country.”

Dresker is coming in after a rocky period at the Oak Harbor department. Severns, who took office this year, forced former chief, Ed Green, to resign in May because of in-fighting as well as morale and management problems.

The mayor hired Terry Gallagher, former Port Angeles police chief, as the interim police administrator. Severns credits Gallagher with stabilizing the department and building morale; he said Gallagher was well respected by the troops.

Dresker said he’s aware of the problems of the past, but he won’t dwell on them.

“We’re in a brand new horizon here,” he said. “Let’s move forward.”