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Leland Grove council terminates police chief and names Kenton Oliver as new chief
Summary
The council voted unanimously to terminate Chief Dan Ryan effective Feb. 24, 2026, and to hire Deputy Chief Kenton Oliver as chief at $38.50 per hour effective March 4, 2026; Oliver was sworn in by Mayor Mary Jo Bangert during the March 24 meeting.
The Leland Grove City Council voted to terminate Police Chief Dan Ryan, effective Feb. 24, 2026, and unanimously approved hiring Deputy Chief Kenton Oliver as the new chief at $38.50 per hour, effective March 4, 2026. Kenton Oliver was sworn in as Leland Grove Police Chief by Mayor Mary Jo Bangert during the meeting.
Alderperson Aimee Gray moved to terminate Dan Ryan and Alderperson Lance Cull seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Alderperson John Slayton moved, seconded by Alderperson Greg Gaz, to hire Kenton Oliver. New Chief Oliver thanked the council for their trust and shared monthly department statistics; Alderperson Todd Lafrenz asked that future police reports include trend data.
The council handled the personnel items in open session and later entered executive session for additional personnel discussion. No disciplinary details or contract terms beyond the approved hourly rate were specified in the minutes.
