The search for a police chief in Johnstown continues to narrow as the police department has selected five finalists for the position.
Interim Chief of the Johnstown Police Department Ryan Oglesby and Chief of the University of Northern Colorado Police Department Aaron Carmichael are two of the finalists, according to a release from the town of Johnstown. Fort Morgan Police Chief Loren Sharp, Colorado Springs Police Training Division Coordinator Jeffrey Strossner and Jason Freedman, Midtown District captain for the Madison Police Department in Wisconsin round out the finalists.
The town will host a community meet-and-greet with the finalists from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday at the Johnstown YMCA.
Oglesby joined the Johnstown Police Department 22 years ago and has since served as a patrol officer and school resource officer, as well as in various leadership roles such as sergeant, lieutenant and commander before taking over as interim chief.
He spearheaded Johnstown’s Community Camera Program — which allows residents to register their security systems with the department so police have a database of video cameras near where a crime may have been committed — as well as the Mallard Ridge Neighborhood Watch program.
He has also overseen an officer-training program with the Weld County Regional SWAT Team, according to the release
Just over a month ago, Oglesby graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He also earned an associate degree from Aims Community College, according to the release.
Carmichael took over as the chief of UNC’s police department in April 2022 after 18 years with the Greeley police. He served in a variety of roles with the Greeley Police Department, getting promoted to commander in 2018.
Since taking over the UNC police, he’s implemented a body camera program, as well as career training programs for officers, according to the release. He is also responsible for managing the department’s $2.2 million budget.
Carmichael earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Colorado State University. He is also a graduate of Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command.
Sharp has served with the Fort Morgan Police Department for 30 years, taking over as chief in December 2020. Prior to that, he “worked in nearly every role” in the department, according to the city of Fort Morgan.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement administration from Colorado State University and graduated from the FBI National Academy.
Strossner has served in the Colorado Springs Police Department for 27 years. He has held the roles of lieutenant, sergeant and detective, as well as commanding several divisions of the department.
He earned a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership and a bachelor’s degree in security management from the University of San Diego.
Freedman has served as part of the Madison Police Department for 27 years. As the Midtown District captain, Freedman’s jurisdiction includes parts of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including Camp Randall Stadium.
He earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in history, international relations and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, according to the release. He also attended the FBI National Academy, graduating in the same class as Sharp.
