City of Flagstaff seeks community input in search for new police chief

FLAGSTAFF — The community is invited to participate in the selection of the Flagstaff Police Department’s next police chief at an upcoming meet and greet. The public meet and greet is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20 at 5 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers at 211 West Aspen Avenue or via Microsoft Teams.

The meet and greet will begin with each of the five candidates for Police Chief providing an introduction about themselves, including their previous education and experience, and how it relates to the police chief position. After all introductions have been completed, there will be a few questions answered by each candidate prior to an opportunity for participants to mingle with the candidates. Information about each candidate is listed below.

  • Charles Hernandez II is from Flagstaff, AZ and is a Lieutenant for the Flagstaff Police Department. Prior to his position, he served as Sergeant and Corporal at the Flagstaff Police Department. Mr. Hernandez II has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies and a master’s degree in criminal justice.
  • Colin King is from Tucson, AZ and is a Captain with the Tucson Police Department. Prior to this position, he served as Division Commander, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective, and Special Investigations Officer. Mr. King has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice and a master’s degree in administration.
  • Collin Seay is from Flagstaff, AZ and is a Deputy Police Chief for the Flagstaff Police Department.  Prior to this position, he held the positions of Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, Detective and Officer. Mr. Seay has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in administration.
  • Kenneth Booker is from Peoria, AZ and is a Deputy Chief for the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office. Prior to this position he served as Division Commander, Commander, Youngtown Interim Police Chief, and Lieutenant with Maricopa County and as an Adjunct Professor with Grand Canyon University. Mr. Booker has a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration and a master’s degree in leadership.
  • Sean Connolly is from Mesa, AZ and is an Operational Executive Police Chief with the Phoenix Police Department. Prior to this role he served as Assistant Police Chief, Commanders, Lieutenant, and Sergeant with Phoenix and an instructor for the Auschwitz Institute. Mr. Connolly has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Attendees can join the meet and greet virtually by visiting bit.ly/FlagstaffMeetandGreet or by dialing +1 520-415-3558, Conference ID: 656825880#.  All participants are encouraged to provide feedback about the five candidates using this form: bit.ly/PoliceChiefRecruitment