The search for a new Bartlesville Police Chief is officially underway.
The position was opened on April 1 for internal candidates only, following the retirement announcement of outgoing Chief Kevin Ickleberry a few weeks ago.
Ickleberry, who has been on personal leave due to medical reasons since December 2025, is set to retire on July 1. The new chief will assume the role on July 2.
“This internal posting reflects our strong confidence in the leadership, experience and professionalism within our Police Department,” said Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders. “We recognize the talent that exists across the organization and believe we are well positioned to fill this role from within.”
Deputy Chief Troy Newell has been serving as acting police chief since December 2025. Newell said this week that he will not pursue the top leadership role.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as acting police chief in the absence of Chief Ickleberry,” Newell said. “I have learned a lot, and it has been an honor to lead the men and women I have worked alongside over the past 19 years. Our officers and support staff go above and beyond every day to serve Bartlesville citizens with compassion, skill, and professionalism, and their support during this time has helped ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the department’s operations.
“While I appreciate the opportunity to serve as acting chief, I will not be applying for or pursuing the permanent position of chief. I am happy serving the department as deputy chief and I look forward to returning to that role when the new chief takes over on July 2. The Bartlesville Police Department has some of the most qualified candidates for police chief in the state, if not beyond, and I am confident the next chief will be the right choice for the department, the public, and the City.”
Sanders said Newell has done an excellent job in leading the department during the interim.
“Chief Newell has done a flawless job in ensuring a seamless transition between chiefs and in leading the department since Chief Ickleberry’s leave began last year,” Sanders said. “We are grateful to him and know that he will continue to have a positive influence and impact on the department, both as acting chief until July and as deputy chief thereafter. We look forward to hearing from everyone who is interested in this important leadership role.”
The chief position will remain open until April 22. It is anticipated a decision will be announced in late May or early June.