Clark County Sheriff’s commander hired as police chief in Oregon

A commander with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office has been named the chief of police for Lincoln City, Ore.

Commander Keith Kilian will take over the position on Jan. 22, said the Oregon agency’s outgoing chief Steven Bechard.

“I’m very, very pleased that (City Manager David) Hawker has selected someone that I feel confident will take over and continue the progress we have here,” he said.

The agency has been searching for a police chief since Bechard announced his plans for retirement in early August.

Kilian has worked at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for 34 years, during which time he has been assigned to work in patrol, narcotics, sex crimes against children, gangs and SWAT, according to the Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek Business Association’s website.

Kilian serves on the association’s executive board and is currently assigned to the agency’s west precinct.