Bartlesville Police Chief Kevin Ickleberry has announced he will retire from his position after 31 years of service with the Bartlesville Police Department. His retirement will be effective July 1.
“Chief Ickleberry has served our community with integrity, kindness, and dedication for more than 30 years,” said Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders, who oversees the Police Department. “His career reflects a deep commitment to both the department and the community, and I have always admired the character he has brought to his leadership role. I know I speak for the entire community in thanking him for his years of service and congratulating him on his well-earned retirement.”
Ickleberry has been on personal leave due to a medical issue since December 2025 and will continue on leave for the time being, Sanders said. Deputy Chief Troy Newell will continue in his role as acting chief until a permanent selection is made.
Ickleberry began his law enforcement career with the City as a reserve officer in October 1989. He moved to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in January 1995, where he served as a deputy sheriff until December 1995. He was hired as a BPD patrol officer Dec. 4, 1995, transferring to the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective in May 2001. He earned the rank of sergeant in May 2006 and served in that capacity in CID until 2009, when he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He was assigned to the Services Division in 2011 until October 2018, when he was appointed as captain of the Special Operations Division. He was named deputy chief in January 2023.
Ickleberry holds several accreditations in police work and leadership, including his attendance at the FBI LEEDA leadership institutes in 2019 and 2020, the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute-Louisville, Ky., in 2021, and the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police training in 2017.
His professional affiliations include the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators, and the National Tactical Officers Association. He also works locally with the Boys and Girls Club, the Westside Community Center, Neighborhood Watch and the Bartlesville Public Schools Safety Committee.
He has earned numerous awards throughout his distinguished career, including the Fraternal Order of Police Officer of the Year in 2004 and Bartlesville Area Crime Stoppers Award in 2003.
Sanders said the search for the next police chief will begin soon.