Former Battle Ground Police Chief Bob Richardson has taken the top cop position in La Center on an interim basis.
La Center Mayor Greg Thornton selected him to head the department after former Police Chief Marc Denney accepted a position in Burlington, Iowa, according to a news release from the city. Richardson worked in law enforcement for about 40 years before retiring from the Battle Ground Police Department in February 2020.
La Center Police Sgt. Chris Olsen, who has worked for the city since 2004, will play a key role in helping to manage the department, according to the city.
Richardson worked for the city of Irvine, Calif., for 30 years before retiring as a police commander and served in the U.S. Army. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Richardson has also served on several local boards and committees, including the Clark County Health Advisory Commission, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency and Clark County Juvenile Justice Council.
