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Marion residents invited to meet police chief finalists at community open house
Four finalists include one internal and three external applicants to replace former chief Mike Kitsmiller
Jun. 27, 2025 1:07 pm
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MARION — The city of Marion is set to host a community open house to introduce its four finalists for the new Marion Police Department chief.
The open house will take place 6-7:30 p.m. July 9 at the Lowe Park Arts & Entertainment Center, 4500 N. 10th St. The event will take place in a come-and-go format with no formal presentations.
Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will be invited to share their feedback about the candidates through a brief survey. No advanced registration is required.
The four finalists will soon be interviewed to replace former Marion Police Chief Mike Kitsmiller, who retired this spring. The selected individual will lead the department of 48 sworn officers, 10 dispatchers and six civilian employees.
The finalists include one internal and three external candidates:
- Chad Nott, deputy chief at the Marion Police Department. Nott was named interim chief after Kitsmiller’s departure.
- Douglas Riniker, chief deputy at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
- Jeremy Sprague, lieutenant at the Des Moines Police Department.
- Schonella Stewart, commander at the Oak Park (Ill.) Police Department.
Comments: grace.nieland@thegazette.com
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