The City invites the public to an Open House on Wednesday, July 31, to meet the candidates for Pasco Police Chief.
The Open House will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Pasco Red Lion at 2525 North 20th Avenue. Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet the candidates in a reception-type setting, followed by short speeches from each of the candidates. Spanish language translation services will be provided.
The public is encouraged to attend and give feedback on the candidates for Police Chief, with City Manager Dave Zabell making the final decision on the candidates.
"This Open House will be an opportunity for the public to meet the finalists and provide their impressions. The event will also allow the candidates to meet our diverse and dynamic community," said City Manager Zabell.
The candidates are:
Albert Escalera has over 35 years of experience in public safety and law enforcement. He has been the Chief of Police for the City of Sunnyside, Washington, since 2014. Before that, Escalera was a Captain with the West Richland, Washington, Police Department from 2011-2014. He was with the Washington State Patrol from 1985-2011 and served as Narcotics Task Force Supervisor/Commander during the last three years there. At the beginning of his law enforcement career, he was a Community Service Officer for the Pasco Police Department. Escalera is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Charles Goeken has served the City of Manteca, California, Police Department since 1994 and is currently a Captain, and has been a Division Commander for over ten years. He has also served as the Acting Chief of Police during the Police Chief's absence. Goeken has also been a City Council member for the City of Waterford, California, and he served as Mayor there for six years. Goeken has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from the University of New York Regents College, a master's degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Kenneth Roske has nearly 33 years of law enforcement experience having served the City of Pasco Police Department since 1986 when he began there as a Police Officer. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Police, and before that, was Captain for 12 years. Roske has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, both from the Union Institute & University. Roske is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Thomas Worthy has been with the Oregon State Police (OSP) since 1994 when he started as a Trooper. He rose through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, to his current position of Major, overseeing the Public Safety Services Bureau. As third in line of responsibility at OSP, he has functioned as Superintendent in the absence of the Superintendent and the Deputy. Worthy has a bachelor's degree with a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Washington State University, and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
The City of Pasco strives to continue improving the quality of community life in Pasco.