The City of Boulder released the names of the top three candidates for chief of police.

Following a nationwide search, the candidates were chosen from a pool of 30 applications.

“I am pleased to introduce the finalists for Boulder’s next police chief and invite the community to meet them at the Aug. 27 community forum,” City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde said in a statement on Friday. “The selected candidate for this position will lead the ongoing transformation of our city’s policing approach, which centers on holistic problem-solving and community engagement. This is a pivotal leadership role for our community.”

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

Stephen Redfearn

Stephen Redfearn currently serves as the Interim Police Chief for the Boulder Police Department, a position he assumed in January after joining the department in 2021 as Deputy Police Chief. Before his time in Boulder, Redfearn spent 22 years with the Aurora Police Department, beginning his career as a patrol officer, advancing t through the ranks to division chief.

Redfearn holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University.

Leonard Redhorse III

Leonard Redhorse III is an 18-year veteran of the Navajo Police Department, currently serving as deputy police chief. Leonard holds a Bachelor of Science in History with a Minor in Political Science from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University.

Josh Wallace

Josh Wallace has been with the Chicago Police Department for 25 years, culminating in his current role as commander of the Criminal Network Group within the Bureau of Counterterrorism. Wallace holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph and a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix.

The finalists will be introduced at a community forum on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers, located at 1777 Broadway. The event will be live-streamed on the city’s YouTube channel  and Boulder Channel 8. 

Final interviews for the top candidates will be on Aug. 27 and 28.

For more information about the position and to submit questions, visit https://bouldercolorado.gov/guide/featured-job-boulder-police-chief.