After an intense process to find El Dorado’s next Police Chief, City Manager David Dillner announced the selection of Mike Holton on January 25.
Twelve candidates applied for the position, and they were narrowed to four, who were invited to El Dorado for the interview process. Dillner said more than 30 people were engaged in the selection process. That process included a department meet and greet; interviews with community panels, legal staff and high school students; a writing assignment; a media exercise; and a community meet and greet.
“All of these exercises provided a lot of different information,” said Dillner, who then reviewed all of the information before making his decision.
Holton has served the law enforcement community of Butler County and the City of El Dorado for more than 33 years, returning to the El Dorado Police Department in 2019.
“I know he is excited to serve in this capacity,” Dillner said. “He is very invested in the community.”
Holton most recently has served as lieutenant, where he has supervised a shift, participated in command staff duties and provided leadership functions for the El Dorado Police Department.
“I’m deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of El Dorado as your next Police Chief,” Holton said. “I’m equally honored to step into the shoes of a man who served this community for over 40 years; Police Chief Curt Zieman also served as one of my mentors over the last 20 years.
“I truly look forward to serving this community by building relationships with community groups, community organizations and the citizens of El Dorado,” Holton continued. “I look forward to serving the city of El Dorado along with outside agencies in an effort to keep El Dorado a safe place to live, work and play.”
Holton will be promoted to Deputy Chief within the week, where he will serve under Zieman, learning more about the role of Chief until Zieman retires on March 25, at which time he will take over as the new Police Chief.