Oak Harbor Police introduce two new hires and readies training facility

Oak Harbor police on May 6 introduced two recent hires and outlined ongoing recruitment while previewing a training-facility ribbon cutting during National Police Week.

The board was introduced to Cynthia Flores, the department's newly hired records specialist, who filled the department's last records vacancy. "I'm happy to be here," Flores said after she was introduced; staff said the position was added with support from Mayor Wright and City Council to handle caseloads including concealed-pistol-license records and retention obligations.

Chief Slo introduced Officer Keon Crompton, a local Oak Harbor High School graduate who completed the police academy last December and is finishing field training. Crompton said he joined the department after participating in the police-explorer program and expects to be released to independent patrol around May 10. "I'm proud to work under the chief and deputy chief and just protect our city," Crompton said.

Chief Slo also reviewed staffing: the department has a five-person command structure and expects to onboard an administrative services manager currently in background checks, likely in mid-June; one academy student is due to graduate June 2. The chief reported six currently unfilled commissioned positions and one conditional offer in background, describing recruitment as ongoing. He said records positions are filled but a records supervisor has not yet been promoted.

For National Police Week (May 11–17), staff distributed a proclamation read at council and invited CAB members to participate in public recognition, social posts and a training-facility ribbon cutting slated for May 15.

Next steps: the city plans the ribbon cutting May 15 and will introduce the administrative services manager and additional new hires at future CAB meetings.